Key chain commemorating the state’s bicentennial made by Steadfast Media are among the items that will be for sale at River City Mercantile. Photo by Heather Vaught

By Abbey Doyle of the Courier and Press

While the The Bitterman Mini Shoppes & Farmers Market closed its doors permanently earlier this month, shoppers looking for a retailer offering local and handmade goods don't have to go far — River City Mercantile is opening next month across the street.

"It is important to downtown," said Mike Miller, who owns the Bitterman Building and the building where River City Mercantile is located. "It is important to the growth of downtown and for the artistic community to have an outlet like this to sell their merchandise."

Miller said the community responded well to the concept of the Bitterman — an indoor farmers market and upscale flea market featuring around 30 vendors — but he decided to close it so he could have more free time for personal reasons. When talking about the impending closure with Bitterman vendor and family friend Heather Vaught, the two discussed her taking on the business.

"I'm happy there will be the outlet moving forward," Miller said. "It's going to be great."

Miller said the plans for the Bitterman to become the new home to an upscale grocery is in the final stages. The local store will focus on healthy food options including vegan and gluten free items on the first floor and gift items and local vendors on the second floor.

Vaught, River City owner, is excited about the new business venture. She owns Steadfast Media, which creates wedding stationery and a line of Evansville pride products. The company has recently created and produced products to celebrate the state's bicentennial and other regional items.

While River City Mercantile will feature many of the same vendors as the Bitterman, she said it will have more a retail and less a market feel. Vaught is bringing in other small vendors from Indiana and across the country. Vendors will include Steadfast Media, Evansville Collective, Drizzle, Ginger Cat Knits, Timberview, Hat & Rabbit, 6th Street Soapery, Nee Nee Ree, Shimmer & Shine, Bruce's Heirloom Rugs, Wilhite Woodworking, Tribe & Trade, Miller Made Collective, Meagan Williams-Delong, Dickinson Woodworking, Conway Goods, Stay Home Club, Explorer's Press, Beholder Badges, Be Handmade and Rifle Paper Co.

River City will be the home of Sunshine Juice Co., serving juices and smoothies. The retailer also will sell brewed Lucid coffee and have a seating area with free Wi-Fi.

"It's going to be a nice retail place for people of all ages to come and get some local and smaller national brands, good handmade items," Vaught said. "There will be a little bit of something for everyone."

The store is undergoing a complete renovation. Wood floors and exposed brick with all new fixtures from Miller Made Collective will give the store an urban, high-end retailer feel, Vaught said.

"We want to give Evansville a different kind of shopping environment," she said. "Somewhere hip where people can come and shop and hang out."

River City hopes to have its grand opening Feb. 5 and 6 with normal business hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at 223 Main Street, next door to Twilight Bistro. Find them on social media @shoprivercity.