Golden Gait Mercantile –
America's Favorite General Store!
Welcome to Golden Gait Mercantile, your go-to shopping destination for unique treasures and gourmet foods! Nestled in the charming, historic town of Ferndale, California, in the heart of the Redwoods, we offer an exceptional selection of handpicked products that celebrate both tradition and innovation.
Tucked between the towering Redwoods and the serene Humboldt Bay, Ferndale is a magical Victorian village that beautifully blends history with modern-day charm. With its fantastically preserved architecture and breathtaking coastal scenery, it's a place where the past comes alive in the most captivating way.
Come explore Golden Gait Mercantile and experience a shopping journey like no other, surrounded by the natural beauty and timeless charm of Northern California’s Lost Coast.



Behind the Scenes at Golden Gait Mercantile
Julie's Dedication to Quality and Service
Running a store isn’t easy, but for Julie, it’s all about passion, hard work, and dedication. From curating unique products to ensuring every detail of the store runs smoothly, Julie puts her heart into everything she does. Every day is a labor of love, whether it's handpicking the perfect items for the shelves, connecting with customers, or managing the day-to-day operations. Julie's commitment to delivering exceptional service and quality ensures that every visit to Golden Gait Mercantile is a memorable one. It's this hard work and care that makes the store feel like home for everyone who walks through the door.
Discover the Heart of Ferndale at Golden Gait Mercantile – A Historic Shopping Destination Since 1972!
Celebrating Over 50 Years of Timeless Charm & Tradition
For over 50 years, Golden Gait Mercantile has been a beloved shopping destination for both locals and visitors alike. Established in 1972 by Marlin and Sandra Mesman, our store quickly became a cornerstone of the vibrant community in Ferndale. In 2014, John and Julie Kreitzer took the reins, proudly continuing the tradition of offering unique products and exceptional service on historic Main Street.
Join us in celebrating over five decades of heritage, quality, and charm as we continue to bring joy to generations of shoppers in the heart of Northern California’s Redwoods. Come experience the legacy of Golden Gait Mercantile today!


Golden Gait Mercantile – A Timeless Treasure on Main Street
Longstanding Traditions
Today, Golden Gait Mercantile remains a cherished and memorable destination on Main Street, carrying on a rich legacy of quality, uniqueness, and community spirit. With over five decades of history, we continue to captivate visitors with our carefully curated selection of products and our welcoming, hometown charm. Come experience why Golden Gait Mercantile is a must-visit shop, where tradition meets exceptional shopping!
A Peek Into The Museum

Golden Gait Mercantile – An Authentic Shopping Experience & Destination
At Golden Gait Mercantile, we offer more than just shopping – we provide a memorable experience! Nestled in the heart of Ferndale, our store is a true destination, where you can explore a handpicked selection of local goods, vintage candies, pantry provisions, and so much more. From our year-round Christmas shop to home goods, children's toys, and stylish apparel & hats, every corner is filled with treasures waiting to be discovered.
Don’t forget to check out our unique collectible vintage items, each with its own story. At Golden Gait Mercantile, it’s about more than just products – it’s about authentic, heartfelt experiences in a small town where big smiles and lasting memories are made. Come visit us and make your own memories today!



At Golden Gait Mercantile, this isn’t just a store—it’s a piece of history, a labor of love, and a place where memories are made. Every day, we feel honored to continue the legacy started so many years ago, welcoming both familiar faces and new visitors into our world of nostalgia, quality, and small-town charm. Our hope is that when you step through our doors, you feel the warmth, care, and dedication that go into every product we carry and every experience we create. Thank you for being part of our journey—your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back again and again.
❤️ – Julie & John