 I’m always happy to share new retail shops stocking Cotton & Flax products, and today’s shop is a beauty! Superior Merchandise Co. is part gift shop, part stylish cafe serving specialty coffee, in a beautiful, modern space in Troy, NY.
I’m always happy to share new retail shops stocking Cotton & Flax products, and today’s shop is a beauty! Superior Merchandise Co. is part gift shop, part stylish cafe serving specialty coffee, in a beautiful, modern space in Troy, NY.
 Superior Merchandise Co. carries our linen tea towels and felt coasters, as well as items from some of my favorite designers: Studio Arhoj, Moglea, and The Greater Goods.
Superior Merchandise Co. carries our linen tea towels and felt coasters, as well as items from some of my favorite designers: Studio Arhoj, Moglea, and The Greater Goods.
 I recently got to chat with owner Felicity Jones about her beautiful retail shop — here’s a snippet from our conversation:
I recently got to chat with owner Felicity Jones about her beautiful retail shop — here’s a snippet from our conversation:
What time of day is your favorite to be in the shop?
I love being in the shop in the morning best – Superior Merchandise Co. in the morning is actually one of my favorite places to be, ever. We have big, turn of the century window boxes that fill our space with incredible light, draping our retail shelves in sunshine. Awash in natural light, some Sam Cooke or Bon Iver playing, sipping on a latte – that’s a pretty magical morning. In these moments I feel very lucky that this is my job. Not only is the lighting/atmosphere the best in the AM hours (and perfect for taking all those instagram pictures), but being able to help get our customers’ days started on the right foot with that first cup of coffee is so satisfying.
 How do you hope people will feel when they come in your store?
How do you hope people will feel when they come in your store?
We like to think that SMCo is great a place to find a bit of focus + mindfulness. Hopefully our guests are put at ease amidst a clean, minimal retail aesthetic, carefully prepared coffees and a friendly greeting.
 Why do you love carrying work from independent designers in your shop?
Why do you love carrying work from independent designers in your shop?
Supporting like-minded 

I love indie retail shops like this! They are so much fun to browse as you sip your cold-brew, and pore over the lovely handmade items they stock on their beautifully merchandised shelves. This would be a great place to pick up birthday gifts for friends, or a little treat for yourself.
If you find yourself in downtown Troy, NY, stop by this gem of a shop!



 I’m happy to announce a new retail stockist in my hometown of Portland, Oregon:
I’m happy to announce a new retail stockist in my hometown of Portland, Oregon: 
 Karen McClelland founded MANTEL in 2016, and she brings an eye for design and craftsmanship to curating a collection of homewares and lifestyle products. Located in a refurbished historical building, MANTEL offers an eclectic mix of products ranging from modern ceramics and jewelry to rebuilt mid-century radios. You’ll find a selection of Cotton & Flax tea towels and coasters tucked alongside other handmade work from west coast makers like Melanie Abrantes, Betsy + Iya, and The Granite.
 Karen McClelland founded MANTEL in 2016, and she brings an eye for design and craftsmanship to curating a collection of homewares and lifestyle products. Located in a refurbished historical building, MANTEL offers an eclectic mix of products ranging from modern ceramics and jewelry to rebuilt mid-century radios. You’ll find a selection of Cotton & Flax tea towels and coasters tucked alongside other handmade work from west coast makers like Melanie Abrantes, Betsy + Iya, and The Granite. 
  
 
 The owner of the shop has roots in Portland — she was a ceramics teacher in the Portland Public Schools system for several years. Her dedication to Portland’s young artists continues in her new shop: Karen plans to dedicate a portion of her store to artwork (she’s hoping for ceramics) made by students of nearby Jefferson High School. The student artists will get 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of their items. What a lovely opportunity for young makers!
The owner of the shop has roots in Portland — she was a ceramics teacher in the Portland Public Schools system for several years. Her dedication to Portland’s young artists continues in her new shop: Karen plans to dedicate a portion of her store to artwork (she’s hoping for ceramics) made by students of nearby Jefferson High School. The student artists will get 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of their items. What a lovely opportunity for young makers! If you live near the Kenton neighborhood in Portland, stop by
If you live near the Kenton neighborhood in Portland, stop by 











