What is a Mercery?

A mercery is the term for the profession of a mercer which comes from the French mercerie meaning haberdashery. Mercers were primarily dealers in fine cloth and textiles as well as notions and other small items.

During the middle ages, a mercer was often a woman who ran the business alongside her spouse in a partnership. While the husband was tasked with the marketing and selling of the items, the wife’s job was running the workshop and purchasing stock. In 1300’s Paris, women were able to gain influence and access as furnishers in fine textiles for the royal court. Women mercers also played a major role in fashion markets in Paris around the 18th century.

Merceries as a profession have provided a lot of women with influence, access, and an opportunity to rise in the ranks - when for most of history that wasn’t much of an option. We hope to honor the mercers that came before us.