After a period of decline and subsequent closure, The Merc, a unique grocery store located in the Homestead Village Plaza in Placitas, is set to reopen with revitalized energy under a new partnership.
The reopening will mark the return of a community hub that has been more than just a place to shop for locals.
The four co-owners plan to keep the store’s traditional charm while improving the overall shopping experience. They aim to support local producers and once again become a lively gathering place for Placitas residents.
“Even before it was up for sale, it was just such a unique part of the community, a real heart,” said Tony Micklos, one of the co-owners of The Merc.
He said that during his six years working at another business in the plaza, he always thought The Merc was a cool little grocery store where locals would not only shop but connect with neighbors, mingle and feel a strong sense of community.
Katherine Aeby, another co-owner with a background in alcohol sales, shared that she was “ecstatic” upon discovering The Merc’s alcohol selection. This discovery fueled her desire to become a more significant part of the community.
Placitas residents Joe and Shery Welsh, a married couple, are the other two co-owners.
The group hopes the Phoenix-like revival of the store will create a sense of déjà vu for those who knew and cherished The Merc.
“A lot of what we’re doing is based off of what the original owners of the grocery store had in mind and the route that they took because that was a successful blueprint for 30-some-odd years,” Micklos said.
Aeby said they wanted to keep the business branding the same, which is why they kept the name and the logo. But she and her fellow owners are excited to reveal all the changes and efforts put into renovating the store’s interior.
The new owners aim to elevate the shopping experience through an evolving process that emphasizes genuine hospitality, exceptional customer service, premium products, fresh selections and a strong focus on local flavor.
Micklos said The Merc is committed to sourcing produce from Placitas and nearby areas to support local gardens and strengthen community ties. The owners are planning to expand their produce department and improve fresh offerings at the deli. They also want to try to showcase local artists in the store, highlighting their work for the benefit of the community.
“We’re looking forward to learning what the community wants and supporting what they want by selling it,” he said.
The owners put up a survey to get input from the community on what direction they want the beer, wine and spirits selection to go in. The survey can be found on the store’s Facebook page, at facebook.com/homesteadmercantile.
“People want beer, wine and spirits that they can’t find anywhere else and I have worked hard to curate those for us,” Aeby said.
The new owners aim to differentiate themselves from the previous owners by building trust within the community.
“We understand this community, we live in this community, we are doing this for this community,” Aeby said.
As The Merc’s owners gear up for the grand reopening, although the date remains unconfirmed, they’re inviting everyone to visit their Facebook page. There, interested individuals can submit pre-employment screening forms and request product information.