New Decatur boutique Coco + Mischa makes shopping local look easy

The shop offers local wares, vintage clothing, ethically sourced items, and more.

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Melissa Gallagher was tending bar at Leon’s Full Service when she had the idea for Coco + Mischa, her new pop-up-shop-turned-brick and mortar boutique nestled in downtown Decatur’s ARLO Apartment Homes building. She and her sister Christy (CoCo and Mischa are their family nicknames) wanted to create a shopping experience that mirrored craft markets like the Indie Craft Experience and Root City Market.

“We wanted a shop that would have a little bit for everyone, with unique gifts at all price points,” Melissa says. After testing the idea with a successful pop-up shop last holiday season, she decided to turn the idea into a permanent venture.

The sunny two-room outpost stocks a colorful mix of vintage, one-off, and locally sourced items — “it’s sort of a collection of things we love,” she explains. Shoppers will find wares from ATL brands such as Paper Raven Co., Lindbergh Candle Company, Honeycomb Studio, Native Bear, and Fossil & Hide. Outside of the city, Coco + Mischa also offers knives by Santa Fe Stoneworks, vintage clothes, ethically sourced lingerie, indigo dyed pillows by East.Knot, Cocktail Kingdom Bar Tools, skincare by Oxalis Apothecary, and more.

In addition to shelves of products, Melissa plans to host events at Coco + Mischa, such as a Makers, Movers & Shakers Party this month featuring local makers, bloggers, and Instagrammers. She’s also planning a Boho Trunk Show to launch a pop-up shop within the store for Electric Revival.

“As I’ve purchased, I’ve felt a responsibility to vote with my dollars,” Melissa says. “I want to stock the store with things that are ethically made and socially conscious.” She explains that, in a world of online shopping and Amazon Prime, it’s easy to forget about brick and mortar spots. “At so many small shops across town, you’ll get more than just a product,” she adds. “You’ll get something special, and a shopping experience where you can make a difference.”

cocoandmischa.com.