A Look Inside of Goat Local

Sitting a few stores up from Coffeeology is an eclectic nature-inspired retail store that supports local craftsmen and socially beneficial businesses called Goat Local.

Students from Ohio Wesleyan University, such as freshman Mia Stabb, enjoy the culture and wide range of products in Goat Local.

“The first impression you get in there is its very homey, and it smells really good. They have a million different things, so it really doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, you can definitely find it there.”

Co-founder and owner, Rob Purtell, said the purpose of Goat Local is to serve local artisans and businesses, like the ones he had purchased from at local market such as First Friday, and give them a retail space to broaden their presence and feed their businesses so they could continue to create.

“Our name reflects that. Local because we support local and goat because we wanted an animal to fit our natural theme,” said Purtell.

The husband-and-wife founders, Rob and Ann Purtell, originally acquired space in May 2020 for their medical equipment business, Capital Medical Resources LLC. With over 20 years of combined experience in the healthcare sector, Goat Local was something they never thought they would have started but are proud to run today.

“After being in the same industry for a long-time, I wanted to do something different; use a different part of my brain. This was a chance to do something creative, and it felt enlightening to do what we had never done before,” said Mr. Purtell.

Goat Local began as a small retail section of their current shop, while much of the store was used for Capital Medical Resources LLC. With growing demand and a motivation to help more makers, the Purtells dedicated the whole first floor of their building to Goat Local.

Kathy Falter, sole owner and operator of Cozy Pup Trading Co, sells hand-poured soy candles in hand-cut wine and bourbon jars at Goat Local. Falter has also partnered with Goat Local to pour seasonal candles in their branded glass wear, and direct candle pouring events in the store.

“Rob and Lee Ann are amazing, and it has been great to work with them,” said Falter.

Falter used to sell her products at all-day farmers markets and through her own website. The hassle of selling the candles on her own took away from enjoying her craft. Goat Local allowed her to focus on her art and let the in-person sales be handled by someone else.

“I’ve been able to keep my creative outlet, and it gives me the ability to sell without markets to go to,” said Falter, “The Goat Local network and community have been extremely helpful to me.”

Falter explained how, by selling at Goat Local, the owner of Cardington Café saw her products and asked for her candles in their shop. Through these connections, Falter was also asked to sell her candles in a local winery.

Goat Local also engages with students and community members through their events. Almost every weekend Goat Local host a community event in their shop which enables people to be creators.

Some of the sessions include sourdough making, painting wine bottles, poetry writing, calligraphy, and themed candle pouring classes directed by Falter.

For anyone looking to support Delaware’s creative community, Goat Local’s retail store promotes the work of local artisans and hosts events where anyone can be a maker.