Don’t call it heritage. All that means these days is the price has been jacked up 20 percent. Or more. MidNorth Mercantile, which opens today in the North Loop, sells vintage, Made in the U.S.A. menswear. Old stuff—that stood the test of time, and not only still works, but it looks cool, too. Barn coats. Military jackets. Canvas packs. Red Wing boots, some that have been lived in, others that date back to the ’80s, but are still in their original boxes, never before worn. This is like the hipster, American Made pop-up markets guys have been flocking to the last couple of years, finally in its own downtown Minneapolis storefront.

“I don’t consider this heritage. This is classic menswear,” says MidNorth Mercantile owner Mustache Mike—yep, that’s really how he introduces himself even outside the shop (Visa isn’t having it, but almost everyone else is). You might know him from Heimie’s Haberdashery, where he worked in the barber shop. Mike has been collecting vintage menswear for years, and sold goods at the last NorthernGrade. He’s always wanted to open a store that bridges the divide between used and—forgive me—heritage. MidNorth Mercantile is thoughtfully designed and merchandised, with vintage signs and rustic crates and pristine goods that would make J.Crew drool. But everything in the store, from the Pendleton blankets to the L.L. Bean coats, is truly used. Some items have been restored or re-crafted with new straps, laces, or whatnot. You will pay a premium for the well-edited assortment, but less than you might at some new shops with a heritage theme.

Of course, Mustache Mike is also a licensed master barber. His barber shop is in the back of the store, open Tuesday-Saturday. Haircuts (he loves a pompadour) are $25, shaves are $35, beard and mustache trims are $15.

MidNorth Mercantile is around the corner from Sapor, in the same building as Free Spirit Publishing. The sign is coming soon, but don’t wait to check this place out. 217 N. 5th Ave., Suite 100, Mpls.

More inspiration to shop vintage. Clothes and accessories by MidNorth Mercantile, photos by Eliesa Johnson.

MidNorth Mercantile Fall 2012. Photo by Eliesa Johnson

MidNorth Mercantile fall 2012. Photo by Eliesa Johnson

MidNorth Mercantile fall 2012. Photo by Eliesa Johnson