Sunshine Award Winner: Plenty Mercantile

Gifting is giving back at Plenty Mercantile, a mother-daughter business in Oklahoma City born out of a desire to propel sustainable initiatives in the retail industry.

Brittney Matlock was studying entrepreneurship, marketing and sustainability when she and her mother, Traci Walton, realized this “perfect storm” had potential as a retail business plan.

“We know people are going to gift as an innate human desire to connect, and we want to give people a way to do that as thoughtfully and responsibly as possible.” — Brittney Matlock

They opened Plenty Mercantile in 2012 and eventually also achieved B-Corp Certification.

“We know people are going to gift as an innate human desire to connect, and we want to give people a way to do that as thoughtfully and responsibly as possible,” Matlock says.

Speaking of sustainability

The shop’s tagline is There Is Plenty, and Matlock says there will be plenty as long as there’s a focus on protecting the environment.

When Plenty first started working with the vendor Now Designs, it only carried the product lines noted as eco-friendly. “We found out they give 10% of their proceeds to Education Without Borders,” says Matlock.

She asked Now Designs to provide stickers for the packaging so Plenty’s customers would realize how they’re supporting the cause.

Celebrating charity

Matlock and Walton also run an events venue at their main location and donate the space to local nonprofits. Proceeds from private events go to charities with a focus on the homeless, water security, mental health and public education.

“We can activate the space in a way that benefits the community. It’s the community giving back to the community,” says Walton.

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Sunshine Awards recognize retail stores in our industry that are making a difference through
charitable donations and efforts. Is your store worthy of an award? We’d love to hear from you! Complete an entry form at www.sgnmag.com/sunshine-award.