Our Story & Mission
Life in Swarthmore is the muse for our shop and inspired the name. Harvey Oak is derived from combining two street names in town — Harvard and Mt. Holyoke Avenues. We then added Mercantile to cover all of the treasures you will find here.
Inside our shop you will find unique gifts for every occasion, with an emphasis on what we call conscious gifting.
Each product you will find here is hand-picked with love, with special attention to where, how, and by whom it was created.
It is extremely important to us to reduce our carbon footprint by being conscious consumers.
We value our community. Every year we give back by donating to local organizations via direct donations, shopping fundraisers, and raffle prize donations.
About Shannon
Shannon Elliott is the proud owner of Harvey Oak Mercantile. In her chapters before Harvey Oak Mercantile, she bought product, led online and catalog merchandising teams, and oversaw many marketing aspects for Anthropologie. She has traveled to over a dozen cities around the world sourcing unique designs and meeting numerous, talented artisans.
Shannon has called Swarthmore home since 2010 and is constantly inspired by this town and community. Her loving and supportive husband, Brent, and two amazing children, Lucas and Kylie, share her passion for this town and hunting for new discoveries.
Supporting the community is important to Shannon and her family. In the past, she has served as a Board Member of Swarthmore Town Center, supporting fellow business owners and helping to plan town wide events (Home for the Holidays, Summer Street Stroll, Night Market). Shannon is the co-organizer and curator of the Swarthmore Makers Market. She is also part of the beloved Swarthmore Farmers Market team.
Visit us in downtown Swarthmore, PA
Incorporated in 1893, Swarthmore is a walkable community with tree lined streets, distinctive homes, interesting gardens, and a charming downtown.
The downtown shopping district, nicknamed The Ville, features unique and independently owned shops, eateries, and personalized services. An active arts and music scene enhances the vibrancy of the town center, and civic groups and small town traditions contribute to the town character. The SEPTA train is located in the center of town, making Center City Philadelphia accessible to residents and visitors.