Minthorn Mercantile Men’s Boutique Prepares to Open in Downtown Newberg

NEWBERG, Ore. — Downtown Newberg is soon to welcome a new men’s boutique, contributing to what is becoming a “boutique row” for the city.

Minthorn Mercantile Men’s Boutique, owned by Newberg resident Lauren Donoho, will soon open in the building at 518 E. 1st St.

The store combines Southern and Pacific Northwest influences, aiming to fill an underserved niche by offering high-quality men’s apparel and lifestyle goods.

“The main focus is durability,” Donoho said. “It’s thoughtfully curated to be… things that you would wear throughout the year, and you can wear for a really long time because of how well they’re made.”

Originally from Newberg, Donoho served as the Chehalem Cultural Center’s first marketing coordinator from 2009 to 2013 and worked as the marketing and business development manager for ART Elements Gallery from 2010 to 2016 before becoming a freelance website developer and project manager. This work, along with family considerations, eventually prompted a move to Austin, Texas in 2016, where she continued refining her e-commerce and marketing expertise.

Donoho returned to Newberg with her husband, Jason, to raise their children near family. Upon her return, she noticed a lack of places for men to shop, a sentiment she heard echoed by the community.

The men’s boutique is located on the same block as three other boutiques—Nikki Jane’s, Little Bird, and the forthcoming Lauretta Laynnie—and just a few blocks from Velour, Red Hills, and Lineage. While Minthorn Mercantile caters to men, these other shops focus on women’s clothing and home goods.

“I was actually talking to the owner of Nikki Jane’s,” Donoho said. “She mentioned there’s a real need for a men’s shop because men are always coming in wanting a place to shop, but there’s nowhere to point them.”

Minthorn Mercantile’s tagline, “rooted in craft, built to last, and durable over disposable,” reflects Donoho’s vision of mindful shopping and supporting local artisans. The shop is named after Dr. Henry John Minthorn, who took in future U.S. President Herbert Hoover and his siblings after their mother passed away.

“Doctor Minthorn was a big part of this town,” Donoho said. “He was the horse-and-buggy doctor for Yamhill County and was involved with what became George Fox University. And look at what that effort resulted in: this community. I want to focus on that—the community he helped build.”

Reflecting that focus, many items on the shelves are from West Coast and Pacific Northwest producers like Portland Gear and Bridge & Burn. The shop also includes a charitable component, as proceeds from certain items, such as intricate ornaments crafted by her aunt, will go to a veterans association.

Donoho plans to continue her marketing job, which operates on Central and Eastern time zones, while building Minthorn Mercantile. She also intends to leverage her digital marketing and e-commerce skills to grow the brand beyond the shop’s four walls.

“It’s my skill set,” she said. “I know things will be slow sometimes, so I’m hopeful I can grow the e-commerce business to help me through the slow season.”

Minthorn Mercantile is in the process of determining open hours with expected adjustments as the boutique finds its footing during its first holiday season. Donoho said the website and social media pages will have updated information when it’s available.

Donoho is optimistic about the future and the opportunity to contribute to Newberg’s growing downtown scene.

“I am hopeful that I can add to that portfolio and that we have the opportunity to strengthen, together.”