The Emporium - Our History & Who We Are
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About UsThe Emporium is truly an unique store that features over 40 local Mississippi artists and merchants. For many of our artists and merchants, this is their only permanent location that they display and sell their goods and crafts. That's what give our store an unique flair in that some of what we feature is "one-of-a-kind" and simply can't be found at the big box stores.
The Emporium is located in Canton, MS on the Historic Canton Square, right across the street from the old Madison County Courthouse. The Historic Canton Square is picturesque, full of historical buildings and is home to great shops. The Canton Square is one of the very few surviving town squares in MS that is historically preserved, culturally vibrant and economically thriving. The Historic Canton Square is the focal point of the town and it's two major events - The Canton Flea Market and The Victorian Christmas Festival. |
Who We Are |
We call ourselves "a retro department" store featuring over 40 local Mississippi artists and merchants. We're retro in that we go back to the origins of what department stores were in the old days ....which was a group of various merchants who got together to share a common space and offer shoppers a greater variety of unique goods.
I would dare say that The Emporium features more items (and a greater variety) that are made or came from the local Mississippi area than nearly any other store around. We're proud to support our local craftsmen and artisans. |
Our History |
The Emporium in Canton, opened its doors on September 15, 2009. The store's name and signage pay homage to the same-named department of yore in downtown Jackson. The Emporium (in Jackson) was located at the corners of Capital and Congress Streets. In 1931, it opened with a new building with over 60,000 square feet on four floors! The Marks family owned and operated the store at this location until the late 1970's. Fred Marks (founder's grandson) was gracious to give us the original store logo and the Emporium font to use that was created specifically for the store.
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