Celebrating 100+ merchants

These merchants have shared their histories, challenges, inspirations, and goals for the future during one of the most challenging and exciting periods in small business history.

We’ve spoken to entrepreneurs across all sectors–food and beverage, retail, and service businesses–from coffee shops to ice cream parlors, boutiques to pet stores, salons to tax and accounting services.

These merchants come from urban centers and small, rural towns–in 83 cities across 31 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces.

When we launched the Meet the Merchant series, the onset of the pandemic was changing the small business landscape as we knew it. And, our merchants shared valuable insights on how they pivoted to retail eCommerce, offering online ordering, and supplementing retail product sales to support themselves during lockdown.

In the three years since, we’ve heard from business owners who’ve navigated supply chain issues, shifting landscapes around brick-and-mortar stores, and intermittent storefront re-openings–even those who opened a business for the first time during that time of uncertainty.

Read on for some of the editorial team’s favorites.

Outstandingly delectable treats

Jaide and Joel’s Baking Company (Pioneers of vegan/gluten-free baked goods)

Aliska’s Amazing Pickles (First grade teacher turned pickle entrepreneur)

TapiGo! (The versatility of tapioca in sweet and savory presentations)

Secondhand shopping experiences

Alphabet Soup Stores (Fundraising arm for local public schools)

KingsPIER Vintage (Retail extension of lifelong hobby)

72 West (Antique goods and one-of-a-kind finds)

Go-to spots for furry friends

The Pupper Club (Pet boarding and day spa)

Harlem Doggie Day Spa (Dog grooming taken on the road)

Becoming a small business owner for the first time

AK Cycle Chic (Dream job becoming reality)

ChoZen 4 U Boutique (Sharing a passion for fashion)

The School—Creative Arts Education (Bringing performance background into the classroom)

Growing into a brick-and-mortar

Your Toy Link (From Instagram to storefront)

The Batty Lady (Business built from the trade show circuit)

Embracing new technology

Thrive Juice Lab (Syncing across multiple locations)

Sweetberry (Integrating a suite of digital tools)

Walrus Ice Cream (Streamlining for speedier checkouts)

Continuing the legacy

Vesco Ridge Vineyards (Passing on reins to younger generation)

Icy Mountain Water (Taking over for older generation)

It’s been a privilege for us at Clover to get to know this diverse group of merchants through our conversations and gain insight into the joys and hardships of running a small business.

Join us in thanking all Clover merchants for their contributions and service to local and global economies. Here’s to another 100!