A historic Idaho country store thrives in new era

Thomas Mercantile is one of Idaho’s longstanding treasures, with a history dating back to 1910. The country store, with a little bit of everything, began when Utah-native Samuel Thomas came to town on a horse. He was looking for a new adventure and when he stumbled upon a simple store in Swan Lake owned by Thomas Danahy. Samuel invited his brothers Chauncy and Moroni to join him at the store and the rest is history. Together, they set up a saddle making business in the back of the store, with general merchandising at the front.

Over the course of its history, there were all sorts of people and products to come through the store. An old-fashioned soda fountain with a marble top, exotic perfume bottles, canned goods, shoes, hardware, fabrics, spices, axes, candy and tobacco were just some of the many things that the store had to offer. The shop also had a post office and twice a week, mail was delivered by train.

As the years went on, it became a “hub” in the community and different family members took ownership of the store to keep it alive.

After a period of closure, the store was remodeled and reopened in 2023 by Kaarin Engelmann. She’s kept the Thomas’ legacy alive through the store while putting her own creative spin on how things operate. While this is her first foray into retail and food service, she grew up working in her father’s printing business in American Falls and Blackfoot. An avid traveler, she has incorporated many ideas that she’s seen in small, local shops around the world into Thomas Mercantile.

Engelmann has expanded the store’s inventory, and it now features ice cream and other frozen treats, groceries, local eggs, meat and produce, board games, art and other products from local artists and makers in the state, and books by local authors. There is also a selection of clothing, hats, camping and swimming supplies, and hunting and fishing licenses are also available for purchase. For people who love the movie “Napoleon Dynamite,” which was filmed in Idaho, there is even a special section for those movie enthusiasts.

Another core part of the new Thomas Mercantile is the café. Hungry shoppers can order omelets, breakfast burritos, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches and homemade soups and milkshakes all day long. There is also a variety of fresh-baked goods offered, including pies, bread, cookies and more. For those with a restrictive diet, there is a selection of gluten-free and lactose-free options.

“I think it is vital — particularly with today’s economic realities — to support our neighbors, contribute to the local economy, and keep money in our communities,” Engelmann said. “Thus, the store is a place where local artisans, farmers and gardeners, and ranchers can bring their goods and reach their neighbors without paying high fees to faceless corporations and shipping companies. We are working hard to serve residents of this area of rural southeastern Idaho, as well as visitors who are enjoying this beautiful part of the state.”

In addition to its café and distinct inventory selections, Thomas Mercantile also brings the community together with events. The shop hosts a community market with local vendors on the fourth Saturday of most months, and they also sponsor special events like birthday parties, book signings and family luncheons. Live music performances and dance classes also take place there.

“It is wonderful to see how many talented people we have around here,” Engelmann said. “I really enjoy making connections and helping other small businesses grow.”

Thomas Mercantile is truly one-of-a-kind and with its unique history and longstanding dedication to the state, Sen. Jim Risch recognized the business as Idaho’s Small Business of the Month in July 2025.

“The favorite part about what I do is having the opportunity to greet people every day and provide them with what they want and need,” Engelmann shared. “I love it when people drop in because have been driving by for ages and saw the open sign and wondered about the store. I especially like hearing the stories and memories of people who are from Swan Lake or who grew up visiting their grandparents here.”

Looking ahead, Engelmann is excited about what’s in store. She’s hoping to add a selection of beer and wine to the store soon and she also has plans to add a gas station.