By Chris MacDonald

California's newest store--which features many products made in "the Golden State"--just opened in Old Town Seal Beach.

Main Street Mercantile, 223 ˝ Main St., has pepper plant garlic-based sauces from Gilroy; olive oil and spices from Temecula; cakes made in Fullerton (from a grandmother's recipes); quilts, tote bags and little girls' dresses created by 89-year-old Betty Smith of Lakewood; soaps and lip balm from a Signal Hill mother and son; Southern California jewelry made from recycled sea glass; macadamia nuts grown in Fallbrook; vintage t-shirt reproductions (one featuring an old photo of the Queen Mary) by a Fullerton designer; reproductions of Seal Beach landmarks by a well-known Sunset Beach artist ….

“This reminds me of a smaller version of an old time general store,” said Sally Brunell of Los Angeles. “It's so much fun to visit because there's something of interest for everyone.”

“Your store's awesome. You have many unique, high quality items at reasonable prices,” Rose Ellen Shea of Long Beach told the proprietor, Lee Ostendorf.

Main Street Mercantile is a “dream-come- true” for the woman who loved coming to Seal Beach while growing up in Long Beach. “This town just has the right vibes! It feels like home here,” she said. “People are so friendly and I love the store location—in the back of Brita's Old Town Gardens.”

Ostendorf, a veteran of retail sales, has already been welcomed by her neighbors, including Brita, Jennings & Allen—The Artisan Home, and Nick's Deli. “She is such a nice person. We're delighted to have her here,” said Chris Santana of Nick's Deli, who donated several kinds of sandwiches for the grand opening at the new business behind them.

For further information, visit MainStreetMercantileSB.com or call 562-343-3968. Store hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10-5.