Fifth-generation family business in rural Pennsylvania produces 4,500 brooms for Salem.
As the autumn season approaches, the demand for handcrafted brooms surges, particularly in Lopez, Pennsylvania, where the Meckley family has turned their artisanal craft into a thriving business. This surge in interest is largely spurred by the Halloween season, which sees an uptick in sales from locations like Salem, Massachusetts, often described as the world’s premier destination for witchcraft-themed products.
The Meckley family has been engaged in broom-making for over a century, beginning as a hobby aimed at bartering during difficult economic times. Initially started by Randy Meckley, a former mail carrier, the tradition saw a resurgence around 2017, when his daughter-in-law, Briana Meckley, partnered with her husband, Brett, to transform this family pastime into a commercial enterprise. Their once humble operations have blossomed into a full-time business, with orders now flowing in from various outlets, including a significant order for 4,500 brooms from Salem last winter, illustrating the scale at which the craft has grown.
On a typical day in mid-September, Briana and Brett were hard at work, finalizing shipments to meet the needs of their clients. As they both noted, the business has substantially increased their workload as they prepare for peak season. While balancing their obligations, they have also diversified their offerings to include colored brooms—transitioning from the traditional natural hues that had long characterized their products.
To accommodate their expanding business, the Meckleys relocated from Lancaster County to their cabin in Lopez, where they have sufficient space to scale operations. Their brooms, which range in price with standard sweeping models starting at , have gained immense popularity, amassing nearly 20,000 sales via their ETSY store in recent years.
Utilizing antique broom-making equipment, including a vintage kickwinder, the Meckleys maintain a focus on quality craftsmanship. A recent warehouse enhancement has allowed them to stock a wide array of colored broom corn in anticipation for the upcoming Halloween season, as well as fulfill ongoing orders swiftly.
Despite being located in a rural region, their newly established storefront has begun to attract customers, bolstered by tourism from the nearby Ricketts Glen State Park. Furthermore, local shoppers are inclined to visit for the unique opportunity to buy brooms at a favorable price compared to larger retail outlets.
As customer demand continues to rise, the Meckleys are contemplating future expansions, which may require more automation and additional staff to keep pace with the production capacity. Given the overwhelming response to their products, the Meckleys stand poised to become significant players in a niche market that celebrates both tradition and craft.
In conclusion, what began as a family hobby has blossomed into a bustling enterprise, symbolizing a remarkable blend of tradition and modern entrepreneurship within Pennsylvania’s rural landscape. As the Halloween season draws near, interest in the Meckleys’ hand-crafted brooms is expected to reach new heights, underscoring the enduring appeal of artisanal craftsmanship.
