GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Local small businesses in Gridley would love to have your support this holiday season, especially this Saturday, Nov. 30.

The Wishing Corner at 611 Magnolia St. is owned by former Police Chief Rodney Harr and his wife, Becky. A local favorite since 1987, the store specializes in custom floral arrangements for special occasions, in addition to offering delivery service. The gift shop also offers purses, home décor, locally made soaps from Bend Soap Company, and a new line of children’s puzzles and books.

The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is closed Sundays. The phone number is 530-846-0869.

One of the newest small businesses in Gridley, the Farmer’s Wives Boutique, opened this year at 1030 Spruce St. as an expansion of Studio J Salon. Good friends Kourtney Becker, Brooke, Ally and Maddi Mardesich are the proprietors. They sell women’s clothes, as well as locally-made MIR Jewelry Designs by Shannon Mariani, Truck Ya custom-made hats and custom decorative signs by Amie Little of The Wildflower.

Custom gift baskets and year-round giftwrapping are also offered. Small parties with a sampling of merchandise can be arranged for either large events or private residences.

“We really like the idea of having things that are locally made and sourced. From time to time, we have locally-made honeys and barbeque sauces as well,” said Becker.

When you’re done shopping, estheticians and spa services are also available at the same location.

The hours for The Farmer’s Wives Boutique are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed Sundays. The phone number is 530-870-6117.

The much-loved Packratt Trains and Toys has been serving Gridley residents for 10 years. Purposely located near the railroad tracks at 546 Kentucky St., the store is owned and operated by Matt Padgett. A life-long train enthusiast, Padgett and his customers used to drop everything and run outside to see passing trains. A nearby business expansion now obscures the view.

Padgett has a large customer base that brings customers from distant places such as Medford, Reno, Lodi and others. Customers can buy, sell or trade. 

Packratt is much larger than it appears on the outside. Shelves and shelves of merchandise are there, with one whole wall devoted to the popular HO gauge model trains. The other model train gauges are also available, along with new Hot Wheel and Matchbox cars, books and myriads of other toys, both new and collectible.

Padgett has two young men that come in every Wednesday to work: his grandson, Aaron Quist, and Peyton Quist, Aaron’s cousin. They assist by cleaning and testing used model trains and other items that are brought in, preparing them for sale.

“They are a big help,” said Padgett.

Packratt’s hours are Wednesday through Friday, from 12 to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Sundays. The phone number is 530-797-7264.

The Mercantile at 999 Hazel St. has been in operation since 2022. Proprietor Molly McClarrinon began by selling vintage items she inherited but soon branched out to sell locally-made merchandise from Orchard Beauty Company - skin care products, Luanna Fischer - jewelry and essential oils, Fern Valley - soaps and shampoo bars, Shakti Herbalism - body care and herbal remedies, and Rendered Revival Tallow Company - soaps and lotions. Most recently, Voluspa Candles were added. The new, locally-made items have been the most popular, according to McClarrinon.

Molly and her two dogs run the store, while Molly’s husband makes jewelry to sell in the back.

Visit The Mercantile Thursday through Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., closed Sundays. The phone number is 530-456-6599.