A great local gem! Lovely grocery store but also a great place to meet a friend for lunch, dinner or dessert! The kale salad and quinoa salads are so good! Great snack plates of cheese, grapes, hummus and crackers to go or to eat in their indoor cafe seating or on the patio! A great variety of kombucha, teas, and bubbly drinks like Olipop. Delicious dessert options- fresh cookies, mousse, brownie cheesecake, lemon cake, etc. read more

First thing I did after moving to Lawrence was buy a Merc membership. Now I regret that I did. In just three years, hot food quality got steadily worse, then the hot food operation was shut down entirely. Bought some supposedly fresh fish from the seafood department. It was horrible. Probably also was Kansas-style "fresh," which means frozen that is defrosted and then sold at the higher fresh prices. Then one day, in a hurry, bought a ready-made sandwich to take out. Should have stopped long enough to read the fine print on the wrapper: It said the sandwich was four days old. I wouldn't serve a four-day-old ham and cheese to my worst enemy ... not even if it was free, unlike mine, which was extravagantly priced. Too bad Lawrence can't have a nice co-op. read more

I absolutely love this store! I drive all the way from Topeka to shop here for amazing food that is fresh from local farms. Service is excellent! Ambiance: STRESS FREE! read more

What's with the Russel Stovers? A 1000-mile-line of snack bars? And 2 inches of supplements? Why is bread separated now? Ye old hot bar filled with potato chips? No true refill? read more

I enjoy shopping here periodically to pick up some specific items that aren't available at cheaper grocery stores. And admittedly, you come here for the experience just as much as the actual shopping. Some things are quite overpriced, like the produce and deli meat, but other things are very reasonable, like bulk spices and dried foods. If your number one priority is health then come here! But not so much if you want to stick to a budget. Oh! And they have good bakery items, and a surprisingly cheap selection of some little plants. I got a really cool cactus for $10-15. read more

High time after 7 years I revisit The Merc. We shop here so much I don't even check in on Yelp, almost an automatic reaction everywhere else. But don't think I take it for granted. This is everything I want in a quality grocery. Small, not afraid to cater to the health conscious but at the same time enough diversity that there's something for everyone. The vegetables in particular (and meat) are of the very best and highest quality in the region, and if you prefer to shop local, you can get it here as well. It's hard to put into words how much this store means to me so I think I'll dispense with my usual long winded reviews and simply say "thank you," Merc, for being there and for being everything I want and need to cook great home meals or go for your prepared foods. Very highly recommended. 6 stars if they were available. read more

just like walmart with self-checkout, but the employees are more snippy and entitled. we've gone there for 15 years but are finished. The folks are walmart and sprouts are a lot more laid back. if you're looking for fresh produce you want to see checkers. also, 2.89$ for a small drip brew coffee. read more

It used to be my favorite grocery store in Lawrence but the changes that have been made in the past couple of years has made it my third choice for grocery shopping. They've eliminated the coffee/smoothest bar and recently, the hot food bar. There seems to be an ever smaller selection of organic fruits and vegetables. Vegan food options are slowly disappearing one by one. Virtually all of the prepared foods for takeout contain meat or dairy. The prices have skyrocketed this past year making it by far the most expensive grocery store in Lawrence. The staff are nice but it really isn't necessary to talk to them since the majority of checkout stations are now self-service. read more

CHA-CHING. Bring a wad of cash, some platinum cards and a gold bar or two if you shop The Merc. It's pricey. Disclaimer- I am a member of The Merc but I am very dissatisfied with this store. I have been going to this store since 1991. I've followed them to three different locations around town. The quality started to suffer when they moved to their current location on Iowa Street. Things just changed. The former stores stuck to their foundation- produce, vitamins and natural products. The Iowa Street store carries Coca Cola and other popular-with-the-masses commercialized products, for goodness sakes. Pandering. They are trying to be what they are not- upscale. There is a certain smugness with the staff. No one really smiles or engages in small talk. You just do not get the feeling they care if you are there or not. Today, for example, I went in to buy a few small things. They had very long lines of customers but only two registers open. None of the other cashiers or personnel milling about seemed very concerned about the ever growing lines. Another thing I noticed is their customer demographics have changed and I think it has to do with price. I saw enough designer handbags and Navigators in the parking lot that I thought I was in 90210. They have a wide selection of products. The hot bar has been very good. I do like the local produce and I like their education programs. The Merc does have a fantastic community outreach. I just miss the personal touch. read more

I really want to like this place; have been a dozen times over the last decade, but the atmosphere is extremely snobby, leaning towards the liberal political slant. I'm not conservative- socially or politically- but the airs of the staff and signage make me genuinely uncomfortable. read more

i like the Merc. If I lived in Lawrence, I'd be part of the co-op. I am a fan of large Hy-vee's, but I love Trader Joe's on Ward Parkway. I love organic markets, not like Whole Foods, but more like Natural Grocers in Overland Park. In the Community Mercantile, the staff are so even effing keel, everything is so relaxed, it reminds of drinking a cup of hibiscus tea when I walk into the doors. Or it reminds me of other things that are relaxing...any way. The staff are so relaxed and happy. I go through the doors, knowing the prices, but there's comfort knowing the store isn't laden with GMO's for the most part, and the fruits and vegetables are from a certified organic farm. It's expensive for farmers to become certified organic farmers. Hence the prices inside organic stores and markets. The produce is fresh, crisp and pretty. I almost bought a jicama, but it was way over priced. I probably should've bought it. Yellow beats, fresh asparagus, strawberries, lemons, gorgeous produce. Sometimes produce is unique. The bakery has gluten free muffins better than the muffins I make at home. When I go to the Community Mercantile, I mostly look at produce and the rice aisle. I know, lame, but it's all I'm interested in there. The Community Mercantile serves a purpose. I've always liked it. There's a credit union ATM in the same location. read more

The Merc Co-op - Grocery Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Excellent for groceries! Produce section is phenomenal! Cheese selection is great! I also feel the Merc's meat department is excellent. Very fresh and appealing. I particularly like the Bulk Department that is extensive! All the normal bulk items available, but also herbs and teas. I regularly purchase items from the Health Department. Service and advice is readily available. In addition you will find plants, books, and handmade items. Love the MERC! read more

The Merc is a local gem to Lawrence. The sense of community coming together over great food is something that I always love to see. Now with the quality comes the price tag, and back when I was a poor college student I didn't get to shop at the Merc weekly, although I wish I could. I was on that Lean Pocket and pretzel lifestyle from the ol' Dirty Dillons more often than I was grabbing my reusable tote and shopping fresh produce. Aside from the fresh produce, quality butcher bar, and unique health products, you'll also find amazing meals from the hot bar here, along with some surprisingly delicious sushi options. The I wish there was a Merc equivalent in KC, but in the meantime I'll pop in here on my weekend trips to Lawrence and recommend you do the same! read more

Solid selection out in the middle of... Not Seattle :) Miyoko's cheddar jack!!! Didn't think I'd find this here. It is the BEST vegan cheese made to date ~ always include in that vegan cheese board! read more

We shop here for the fresh fish that comes in twice a week. Also like options for eggs from local, free range chickens. They have a great bulk buying section with everything from rice to spices and many many others. read more

Very solid co-op for an evening provisions stop, breaking up a long trip down I-70. Broccoli, grits, kombucha, toothpaste, check. Grateful to be able to stop here instead of Cracker Barrel or McDonalds or what have you. read more

True story: I have cried inside the Merc TWICE because of how wonderful it is. I am just going to include a couple of highlights here because I could write a full book of poetry on why I love the Merc. 1. The Merc does a 10% discount for people on WIC (read: me) and is actively working on being a WIC distributor. 2. The Merc has non-plastic options (and the cheapest in town) for almost everything, so people like me who are low-no plastic don't have to cave. 3. They have a La Maz (fancy espresso machine) which is INSANE for a grocery store. They clearly care about their little coffee stand. 4. They have staple items in non-granola options as well so normal people can afford to shop here. They have a clear commitment to being accessible. 5. Their meat section has prices and quality rivaled only by the farmers market itself. 6. The Merc has an accessible, ethical, and often local option for everything you need. You could probably exclusively come to the Merc if you shopped in season. Their veggies are pricier than Sprouts but cheaper isn't always better. read more

I hate supermarkets. I may even have a phobia. No, I really DO have a phobia. I enter most supermarkets and immediately feel overwhelmed. The temperature (always too cold,) the piped in horrid pop music, the florescent lighting, the aisles of processed food, the grouchy clerks, the coupon cards, the SHEER SIZE, all make me want to run out past the produce in the front of the store screaming. Trader Joes, take me away!!!!! The Kansas City area does not have a Trader Joes, though. They have Whole Foods, yes. But although WF is a more agreeable shopping experience than, say, Dillons, it still overwhelms me. Enter Lawrence's Community Mercantile, or as the locals call it, "The Merc." It's smaller than WF and it has the added appeal of being more community-oriented (you can buy into the store and be an "owner" which allows for weekly discounts). The staff is extremely friendly and helpful (what supermarket do you know where they actually ask you if you need help finding stuff? Well, besides Trader Joes...and I swear, that's the last mention of Trader Joes in this review). Yes, it's pricey, but you get excellent quality groceries for those prices. I deem them fair, with the exception of that olive bar. I can't see paying 12.99 a pound when you can get them at Tr- uh, a certain other gourmet grocery store for 1/3 the price (many varieties, too. SIGH). The produce is beautiful here. I want to caress the tomatoes, grapes (only organic, please! Otherwise it will do you more harm than good to eat grapes due to the pesticides) and berries. The selection of kale is extremely inspiring, I might add. Another great thing about the Merc is that the tell you what is locally grown and include the name and photo of the farmer! I love this. The bulk goods area is phenomenal, by the way. It is deceptively small. Then you notice in the middle island area that there are tons of jars of spices, teas, bath salts and more. So, if you want to save, buy your cereal, lentils, nuts, and yes, even soy sauce and maple syrup, in this area. There are also little, as I like to call them "treasure islands" throughout the store featuring baked goods, juices, bath and beauty products, and various other featured items. As someone who detests check out aisles and the way most stores position pure crap (gossip mags, candy, diet tools) to appeal to children (and impulsive adults), the Merc has health mags, healthy treats and OMFG locally made TOFFEE!!!! I'll take that over a Snickers bar any day of the week. read more

Being born and raised in the PNW, I'm pretty choosy when it comes to my food choices. Thank goodness for the Merc: the one grocery store in KS that makes you feel like you're on the west coast again. I have only been to the Kansas City--Lawrence--Topeka area as a visitor but, I have to say, I didn't find anything else like the Merc during all of my travels. During week-long trips, it's my first stop every morning so I can pack a lunch for the day. So hats-off Merc-ers! You should know that I rock my Merc t-shirt all the way out here in Orygun! read more

The Merc Co-op - Rockin' the Merc shirt all the way out west! - Grocery Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

We all have lapses in judgement. Each one of us. Although I would never consider myself a fan of a place like the Merc-- it fills a void for Lawrence. Honestly, once I get over the smell I actually feel at home here. Not at home like I'm going to buy some eco-leftist, commercial rag they sell at the checkout stands or feel good about blowing so much money on so little...BUT I do feel good there is a store attempting to deliver something well-planned and executed. The Merc could really be a shithole (like it used to be on some levels) but instead it's the most lux shopping environment in town. I am impressed with the presentation, but not always the products. Last time I was ill and couldn't eat solid food I opted for an omango smoothie at their coffee/juice bar area. It took a while, but so delicious and good for you (except all the sugar). I returned for another and sadly, the gentleman making it didn't blend it enough. CONSISTENCY. Their seating area is really a well-kept secret...such a pleasant, well-lit space connected to a neat little patio. It's the perfect place for a morning coffee or some reading. Very few obnoxious patrons next to you like you find other places, but you'll see a boatload of OMG, too cute haircuts on children (i almost snuck an iphone pic of one, but i didn't want to look like a perv). I'm amazed there aren't more KU wifi zombies populating this comfortable sitting area. Instead they're housed at lifeless places like Dunn Bros I guess. I better shut up... I'd say the produce is for the birds. As others mentioned way too much of the produce is conventional or just organic from far, far away. I wish this section would go local and I'm hoping this Summer that changes more. Casbah Market downtown had such a cute little homegrewn produce section that I took for granted. Merc produce is basically the most expensive, organic products out of a Hy-Vee with a nicer display and better lighting. There are a few exceptions, but it's underwhelming for a store that prides itself on its localism and healthiness. We've all been wrong before. I'll take it back Merc. You didn't deserve it. The Merc is AOK. (...and am I the only one noticing the attractiveness of employees has shot up 3000% over the last 5 years? the peeps here aren't unkept, frowining stinkers anymore. if you're looking for a college-agedish, cuties with decent indie rock on his/her ipod this is ground zero in Lawrence) read more

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As a Whole Foods lover, imagine my surprise when I moved here only to find the closest Whole Foods is in Kansas City. What's a girl to do? Enter, The Merc Co-op. I love this place! Fresh organic fruits and veggies (some are actually grown in the area which I always love) a good cheese counter, decent salads and deli, and a friendly staff to send you in the right direction when needed. ( an example of this is when the customer in front of me walked out without something he purchased, the cashier ran out into the parking lot to find him and give it to him) Who needs a Whole Foods when we have The Merc Co-op? read more

Amazing food and experience! I needed to pick up some water and baby food for our road trip and this was the first place I came across. Upon entering, I noticed they had a variety of juices, smoothies and teas/coffees available which would help as I knew I would get hungry within the next hour or so. I decided on the Waving Wheatgrass and went throughout the store looking for what I initially stopped in for. As I made my way back to the front of the store, I noticed they also sold sandwiches so I decided to grab the cranberry turkey sandwich but subbed the bread for a wrap. Everything was delicious!!! I was feeling like crap after grabbing breakfast and this organic choice made me feel much better. I typically eat healthy but when traveling it's typically grab and go so I'm happy that we stumbled across The Merc Coop! read more

The Merc Co-op - Turkey Cranberry Wrap - Grocery Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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If Whole Foods isn't expensive enough for you...or doesn't afford you sufficient opportunities to show off your artisanal beard wax while shopping for organic, pastured raised raspberry greens, then you may like the Merc. Hippie food at investment banker prices. Why ever shop here? They have a great selection of interesting and fresh fish & a formidable and worthwhile cheese counter [UPDATE - they took out the cheese counter, because apparently cheese is murder...crap] as well as a few products it is hard to find elsewhere around town. The coffee counter and baked goods seem decent. Some interesting frozen desserts. That said, it would be both too expensive and too annoying to shop here regularly. Like criminally expensive. And you could never find real corn flakes, paper towels, or ketchup. Just artisanal, hippie versions that aren't as good as the real thing and three times as expensive. Oh my god, just try to find a decent pickle in the whole place. Hippies. read more

This store has an amazing variety. Although it's pricy I love the sustainable local food options. They even have toilet paper during Coronapocalype! read more

Lots of vegan options. Beautiful produce. Coffee bar, deli and grab snd go options. Really impressed!

Great hot bar, place to buy honey and goat milk. Thanks a lot! I appreciate it very much

The Merc is a regular stop whenever I visit Lawrence. First, there is a lot of local and unusual produce. I recently found FRESH NAMEKO mushrooms! That is pretty unheard of in most places let alone Kansas, so I was very excited to use those in kinoko gohan and miso soup. There are always a few varieties of beets here too. I have purchased duck legs here (frozen) to make duck confit. Lately, I have had the good fortune of buying beautiful sushi-grade tuna filets here. They were a big hit when I made simply-marinated tuna cubes similar to poke for my friend Miki L.'s birthday. The other thing that I probably will regret divulging is that Bimi Bakery sells Japanese sweets here that are freshly baked. These include green tea cookies, green tea and beet gluten free cookies, kabocha muffins, mini cakes filled with azuki paste, and green tea brownies. The store is fun just to explore if you have never been. read more

Me and my friend Enjoyed a nice coffee date while doing some online shopping. We enjoyed our breakfast burrito and our coffees, and the employees were kindhearted. The merc is one of my favorite locations in town. fresh produce! read more

The Merc Co-op - Two coffees - Grocery Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

The Merc is really overpriced. I mean... really. Bought some natural toothpaste here and found it for $2 cheaper at the regular grocery store later in the week. I am also consistently disappointed by their produce selection which is meager and often just conventionally grown stuff from california or mexico priced higher than the stuff at dillons or hy-vee. I do visit them sometimes for their bulk section or natural items i can't get elsewhere in town. otherwise just cross your fingers for a whole foods or trader joe's... read more

Baylee helped me at the counter. Very friendly and personable. I stopped in a couple times before work and got great customer service. Went there for breakfast and lunch for the day, left after getting great deals on a notebook, essential oils and freshly baked pastries. I will be there again and try harder not to spend money on random, cool things. Haha. read more

The Merc is a place in Lawrence WHERE YOU MUST BE SEEN, but as you have probably figured out by now, I could really care less. I have been to THE MERC exactly twice and have not been impressed. Not sure what all the hype is about other than the fact that they are the only game in town ... OH, HOW I MISS WHOLE FOODS! I guess if you are a hippy, yuppy, Bohemian. or metrosexual, Whatever you do, do not buy their Oil of Oregano!!! You can buy 1 ounce of "pure" Oil of Oregano online for $25, but THE MERC sells it DILUTED WITH OLIVE OIL FOR $25-$60 an ounce. I knew far more about the product than THEIR EXPERT and after educating her, she blew me off. I am sure I will get some hate mail for this and again ... I COULD CARE LESS! CombatCritic Gives THE MERC 4 Out of 10 Bombs Based On Value ... BOMBS ARE GOOD! read more

The Merc is a funny place. The prices will scare most consumers away immediately. That is the #1 mistake people make. If you really shop the store and compare various items with the usual grocery stores in the area, the prices aren't that outrageous. But yea i do agree, some items are overpriced and I'm still skeptical in regards to the whole organic/holistic approach to nutrition and health sometimes. I wouldn't recommend joining the Merc's Coop unless you shop there a ton. If you have the extra cash and don't mind, then go for it. You will save a little money on items throughout the store. Now Im a huge fan of Whole Foods and the Merc doesn't compare to them. But again, it has some good things going for it. Their bakery and coffee area is one of if not the best in the city. Their Pumkin breads and lemon cakes are so good. Venture over and try out there fresh baked cookies, scones, and muffins. Delicious! They have a small salad bar area that is good. Their hot breakfast and lunch selection back by the produce section is extremely tasty. My go to breakfast is their burritos and quiche's. A little on the expensive side but worth it. Both will be stuffed with fresh veggies and eggs. Meat choices available too. The Merc has a huge fresh Tea leaf section along with whole coffee bean section as well. The isles are the smaller variety but have all the offerings of a normal grocery store. Just on a smaller scale. There is a fine dairy section in the Merc. You will also find a large vitamin and hygiene/beauty area of the store. The employees are super friendly and helpful. Checkout times are fairly quick. The weekends can get crazy in the Merc. Take advantage of their community classes they offer throughout the month. Tons of different classes that usually range around $5 or so to attend. Cooking classes, coffee classes, etc. Oh yea, they offer free wifi in their dining area which is quite cozy for what it is. Not a bad spot to grab some Broadway coffee and a pastry or a bite to eat. Again, I wouldn't expect too many large size families on a budget to shop here all the time. The Merc is a nice change of pace compared to the normal Hy-Vees and Dillion's of the world. For some reason, students sure seem to love this place. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that The Merc has products placed all over the campus at The University of Kansas. read more

I've loved the Merc since it was in a teenie tiny house on Mississippi. I followed it to 9th and Mississippi and again when it took over the old grocery store on Iowa where it still sits. Yes, chain grocery stores now stock some organic items. But it's because of the influence of stores like the Merc. Plus, this store has Lawrence street cred -- not only for its sheer longevity, but for successfully running Wild Oats out of town back in 90s when they foolishly challenged the hometown favorite by opening a store mere blocks away. Through moves and competition, residents have stuck with the Merc. And they're rewarded with a reliable local source for great produce, most of which is organic, cruelty free toiletries and cleaners, minimally packaged food, supplements and house wares. Other environmentally friendly stores haven't fared as well, so the Merc and Lawrence have a truly symbiotic relationship. Man, that's good karma. read more

The Merc is fantastic. That's the bottom line here. Is it overpriced? You bet. There are some things (nonperishables, mostly) that I won't buy there because I'd rather get them for half the price at Hy-Vee (which is employee-owned and pays living wages, by the way). But you can't beat the Merc when it comes to local produce, local dairy, local meat, or cheese from any locality. Or bulk foods...man, how could I forget the bulk foods? Go there, you'll see what I mean. Also, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The store is clean. The hot bar is amazing. Go there for lunch someday. Yes, for lunch. You'll thank me, though your wallet will be pissed. One word of caution, though - the West Lawrence housewives in North Face & yoga pants who shop at the Merc to feel good about themselves (this makes up about 70% of the customer base, by the way) will run your ass over in their giant SUVs in the parking lot if you're not careful. read more

As a grocery store, it's overpriced and limited selection. I had hoped with the grocery stores having more organic stuff as well as Natural grocers things would change. Instead of reducing prices they spent more on marketing. Doh. That was a dumb move. The deli is nice, but also overpriced in and out itself. Other places in town are cheaper and the "feel good" aspect of shopping at the merc is lost when you consider that they buy the stuff from Sysco--the same place that supplies the grocery stores in town and isn't local organic or sustainable. It's the same food service ingredients everyone else uses. The Dillon's salad bar has more organic ingredients than them. Cashiers are surly at best and I've had my purchases challenged way too much ("Why don't you buy this", "I've heard bad things about that") when they aren't spending too long chatting with their friends. I really really don't like it when you are gossiping with customers long after the transaction was rung up. I especially don't like when you gossip about the customer that just left. Please, ring up my order without the color commentary . Sorry Merc. I loved you when you were the scrappy little grocery store that could--now you are way too overpriced and fail to deliver on your promises. There is simply no excuse for these high prices when everyone else in town charges less. Why do I shop there sometimes? Laziness and habit. Right there on Iowa it's easy to get in and out of and when I don't feel like cooking I'll buy something quick and convenient from their deli. Probably shop there less than 20% of when I used to now that I can get the same stuff at better prices. Additionally I'll shop there when I know someone has an allergy to gluten or is a vegetarian becasue they have a good selection of that stuff--new Dillons on mass might negate all these factors for me. read more

First and foremost, just to preface this review, yes I am a born and bred Californian, but I am not a hippie or a hipster by any means. Now even though I currently don't cook as often as I'd like to, the Merc is one of my go-to stops for grocery shopping. Not only are you helping out local farmers in the area, the Merc helps support many school programs and non-profit organizations around the Lawrence area. Win-win! I also have tremendous respect for the small organic AND non-GMO farmers out there stepping it to the "man" of big business food production. As a former USDA employee, our country truly needs to educate themselves on where our food supply is coming from. Well enough of that... To start off, the Merc is big, but not TOO big. As I mentioned earlier about my lack of cooking, I don't go grocery shopping every single week, and so at some stores, I easily get lost and distracted since I just end up perusing the aisles. No, sir, not at the Merc! And even if you do happen to feel a little out of sorts, the employees are SO incredibly helpful. Oftentimes when I need help at some "big-named, traditional" grocery store, I cannot for the life of me find a free employee, let alone a happy-to-help-you one, to point me in the right direction. At the Merc, you'll find an employee in almost every other aisle stocking or helping another patron, and they don't just point you in the right direction, they will (Parks and Rec's Chris' voice) literally walk you to that exact place, with a smile on their face! One day, I also tried using a Co-op coupon for an item that they didn't carry in stock, the clerk checked with his manager who gave the "okay," and still applied the coupon to a similar item! I was blown away. Most stores probably wouldn't have done that. I have also dined from their hot food bar multiple times when I crave a "home-cooked meal", and am always pleased with the outcome. And don't get me started on Sundays! On Sundays, the Merc definitely does NOT skimp out on their samples. One recent Sunday early afternoon, I had some smooth, Lawrence-roasted coffee, various kinds of oranges, dark chocolate, and an array of chips and snacks. I admit, if you make a couple rounds, you can get a decent meal. I have also tried out several of their cooking classes, which have all been great experiences. At one class, I learned how to make my New Orleans-style bread pudding, which was a hit last Christmas party I attended. Though the prices are not always the cheapest (I mean, when you have a locally-owned Co-op grocery store versus the big box, corporate grocery store that has the advantage of economies of scale, what do you expect?), the Merc engages in community events and donates to local non-profit organizations, and by the attitude of their employees, probably pays them well. Give 'em a try! read more

I love The Merc! As soon as I moved to the Lawrence area I got an ownership and now do almost all of my shopping here. Every once in a while I get a sale ad from Whole Foods in my email and just can't resist the prices for specific items (even with the drive), but really local coop is the way to go! I love to shop the Bulk section, I love Wellness Wednesdays, love to cruise the classes, love trying new things I find there, love how it feels comfortable inside, love how everyone who works there seems happy. I know some people aren't willing to pay extra for food but... you are what you eat... seriously. I mean, I'm a full-time college student and my husband and I live on one very middle class income and we manage to shop here... so... it's not THAT expensive. If you are an owner, you also get coupon books in the mail about once a month. The Merc also donates food to pretty much every event that my program at the university has, so that is AWESOME and TASTY! THANK YOU to the Merc for being a wonderful store! read more

I really like The Merc. The food is amazing and of high quality. I'm not a huge fan of much of the staff and many of the customers. I feel like the word of the day is "snooty". If you pass someone and politely say "excuse me" it's likely that you'll be ignored or scowled at. Also perhaps if you say hello to someone as you pass them you'll get a blank stare or a puzzled look. Go for the high quality, fresh food. Bring your own bags if you don't want nasty looks from your cashier. I'm not sure, but they might be nicer if you had a member number... read more

This review is strictly for the cooking classes. During the summer (and maybe other parts of the year?), the Merc offers cooking classes for $20. The classes are about 2 hours long and you get to taste each of the dishes made; in my class there were about five. The dishes were delicious and the Chef (Chef Paige to be exact) was engaging, offering a variety of helpful tips and tricks. Not to mention I now have five new and exciting recipes to try! I live to far from the Merc to shop here, but I'm sure I'd love it if I did, really, you can't go wrong with the cooking classes, though! read more

Overpriced but nice quality. I like going to The Merc to purchase vegetables during the prime vegetable growing seasons here in Lawrence. They have a nice variety of local farm goods that always taste better than whats shipped in. The rest of their store is a bit overpriced but the quality is there to support the inflated price on some of the goods. I recommend Natural Grocers on 23rd over The Merc. It's much more affordable and the quality is equal to or higher than The Merc. read more