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Miss Lou merchants take the saying “one person’s junk is another one’s treasure” very seriously, especially during Junkin’ on the River.

Spring 2025 Junkin’ on the River, a collaborative effort of Miss Lou merchants to bring people into stores to shop, begins April 4 and 5.

The twice-yearly events in the Spring and Fall are among the busiest shopping days of the year for many merchants.

“It beats out the week before Christmas for us at Bless this Mess,” said shop owner and Junkin’ organizer Danielle Nelson.

Kaelin Russell of Kaelor and Co. and A Gallerie compared Junkin’ to Black Friday in terms of the amount of business it brings to her shops.

Since its inception five years ago, Junkin’ on the River has continued to build momentum and grow in both participating retailers and shoppers.

“This year we have more stops than ever with over 30 participating businesses,” Nelson said. “We’ve had a couple new businesses open up and were aware of it and had to join. … The expectation is for this to be a good year. With the economy being what it is, it’s more important now to support local businesses than it has ever been. The business owners are pulling out all the stops. Jenny Hinkle (Studio Creative owner and event organizer) is outside painting my door as we speak. We’re all going all in and all out. It’s a time to support local businesses.”

All 30 businesses will have signs outside their stores and have maps listing all participating locations, Nelson said.

These include: St. Andrews Thrift Store, 5005 U.S. 84; Parker’s Closet, 3002 Carter St.; Leslie-Anne’s Vintage Emporium, 1644 Carter St.; Trinkets and Treasures, 1642 Carter St.; Bless this Mess Vintage Market, 1611 Carter St.; Bayou Bliss, 1108 Carter St.; Consignment and More at Jacobs, 120 N. Commerce St.; The Shops at Kress, 122 N. Commerce St.; Consign and Design, 105 N. Commerce St.; Art District Studio, 107/108 N. Commerce St.; Franklin St. Relics, 512 Franklin St.; Honey and Pearl, 614 Franklin St.; Mrs. Holder’s Antiques and Old Man River Antiques, 636 Franklin St.; Eccentricities, 707 Main St.; Granny’s Home Finda, 221 Homochitto St.; Paws for a Cause Thrift Store, 230 U.S. 61; Pleasant Acres Some-n-Special Shop, 335 Liberty Road; 601 Architectual Salvage, 505 Liberty Road; St. Andrews Thrift Store, 433 US 61 A; Divine Consignments, 101 Northgate Road Suite D U.S. 61; My Book House, Highway 551 U.S. 61; Annie Mae’s, 642 U.S. 61; E.J.’s Flea Market, 676 U.S. 61 North; My Little Items and Booth Eleven, 637 U.S. 61 North; Happy Place, 747 U.S. 61 North and Historic Meadvilla, 818 U.S. 61 North.

When it comes to supporting local schools, sports and community organizations and causes, Nelson said its local businesses are the first to contribute. “It’s time for local people to support us,” she said. “We have a lot of local supporters, but at times more out of towners come in to shop versus locals. This event for a lot of businesses is a nest egg to carry them through the winter and through the summer.”

When asked what appeal Junkin’ has to out-of-town shoppers, Nelson said, “I think everyone likes to junk. Everyone likes a deal. Also, they like the scenery. We have the most gorgeous views here and everyone likes southern hospitality. We have 30 businesses going out of their way for the best sales and the best deals and everyone is on the same page with it. Not every community has that.”