Aledo’s locally owned grocery store, Mercer Market, is marking 38 years in business this month. The store first opened its doors to the public on Monday, February 16, 1987, and has remained a staple in the community ever since.
Mercer Market’s Jeff Sedam has a special connection to the store—he was there on opening night, working as a bagger. Now, decades later, he reflects on that first evening:
“I was in high school and worked the first night the store opened as a carryout boy. Everything seemed so big and different—it was my first job, so it was an interesting experience. Back in ‘87, I think we may have been one of the first in the area to use actual scan bars for UPCs. We offered fresh produce, fresh meat, and a bakery deli—and after 38 years, we’ve stayed true to those core offerings.”
Beyond groceries, Mercer Market has built a strong reputation for giving back to the community. The store actively sponsors and donates to local events, supporting organizations and causes throughout Mercer County. During the warmer months, it also provides a space for non-profits to raise funds—often with the popular pork chop sandwich sales right in front of the store.
As Mercer Market celebrates nearly four decades in business, it remains committed to serving Aledo with quality products and hometown service.