Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis & Cara Loving.
Hi Travis & Cara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Cara & Travis Loving met in 2020 and fell in love on the spot. Travis proposed with a flash mob and they got married in Greece three years later. Having both owned their own companies prior to meeting, they dreamed of creating something together in this new chapter of their lives. That dream is MRE Mercantile Men’s Clothier!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ah no. Getting permits with the City of Annapolis. And keep the construction project on schedule.
As you know, we’re big fans of MRE Mercantile Men’s Clothier. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The store will be carefully curated with collections of
unique, high-quality and noteworthy brands that have a
distinct style and a trusted reputation. We focus on
managing inventory closely so our customers will find
something new, fun and special during each visit. Our
assortment of apparel, outerwear, accessories and gifts
will ensure that customers leave the store styled for that
important meeting, round of golf with dad, day on the
water with the family, or night spent around the fire.
MRE Mercantile is recognized for its remarkable
shopping experience, expertise, and good vibes.
Upon entering the store, customers are greeted with a
smiling face from a Style Guide, who is excited to get
to know them and their preferences. MRE Mercantile is
more than just a store, it’s a curated experience. Our
Style Guides offer personalized service in a welcoming
atmosphere designed to inspire and delight. From
complimentary beverages, a relaxing lounge,
personalized styling advice, to bespoke gift wrapping,
every customer feels like a VIP. MRE Mercantile
redefines the men’s retail experience.
We’re excited to join the community of Eastport, and
we plan to bolster its reputation as the place to be by
activating our space with engaging events like the
Annapolis vs. Eastport Tug-of-War, Wednesday night
races, boat shows and spearheading new
opportunities for local artisan shows, musical
performances, pop-up food trucks, holiday canned
food drives.
Come see us – we’ll have smiling faces, something
great on the playlist, and a cold Dr. Pepper or Natty
Boh at the ready.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Cara grew up in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and has spent more than two decades rooted in the Annapolis community, raising her son and daughter in West Annapolis. Entrepreneurial by nature, she was selling handmade T-shirts as a kid and working in her family’s restaurant long before she ever held a job title. Community has always been central to her life, from coaching an elementary school running program to founding the Annapolis Triathlon Club.
She entered retail in 2008 after being recruited by lululemon to open its Annapolis store, launching a career with fast-growing brands including Under Armour and Warby Parker. She went on to support regional and national store expansions, leading teams through hiring, training, and grand openings. Known for her people-first leadership and operational strength, Cara creates spaces where teams thrive, customers feel welcome, and communities feel connected.
Travis grew up in a military family in Crofton, Maryland and attended Arundel High School. At a young age, he discovered his passion for the sport of lacrosse. He pursued his love of lacrosse and his country by attending West Point. Go Army! Beat Navy!
After the military, he taught math and coached lacrosse for twenty years at The Haverford School in Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia, he founded a club lacrosse company, Mesa Lacrosse, where he is responsible for the company’s budget, accounting, and marketing – basically anything utilizing his favorite computer program – Excel!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mremercantile.com
- Instagram: @mremercantile
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mremercantile/
