Six Picks: Dan Collier of The Merchant
The Merchant was born in 2013 when, after being in the wholesale agency business for 17 years, Dan Collier decided to branch off into retail. He wanted to experience his lines from the other side, as the retailer, and really understand what it was like to “sell” them. Their first location opened on the Westside of Atlanta just as that area was beginning to expand, and they used it as their hub to learn how to be better retailers and merchants; it was their retail lab. Fast forward to now, 8 years later, and they’re hovering around 16 stores (and plans to grow), with locations in Athens, Dallas, and Charlotte. The Merchant, their original, general lifestyle and home concept, inspired them to open other subsidiaries: Archer Paper (stationery), Paradiso Plants (garden), City Champion (apparel/gift), Collier Candy, Sweet Inman’s Candies, Daily Dose (coffee), The Read Shop (coffee/cafe), and Proper Wax (candles). In addition to opening new locations, they are now manufacturing their own product — currently carrying barware, mugs, t-shirts, and hats!
The Merchant
SIX PICKS
COCO CHOCOLATIER - “We are huge fans of Coco – it is one of our most reordered brands in store. The price point is fantastic, the packaging is attractive, and it consistently retails well for us. The Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Bar is a staple flavor that you can buy for anyone. It always hits the spot!”
FREDERICKS & MAE – “This item hits on all selling points for us: it “matches" our aesthetic with its slightly masculine design, and it carries a price point that is still reasonable for our customer. In comparison to other similar products, these matches always feel elevated. We buy these for all our locations.”
LOS POBLANOS– “We sell through this item consistently! These candles burn clean and the scent of the lavender is on point. This candle is a full-time resident in our lavender display and is always the best seller.”
THOMAS O'BRIEN TOB AERO– “This is my FAVORITE collection that I bought into this summer. The finish on the vases is perfection. I am in love with the shape and size, and each seems so thoughtful in design. We just received our first order of vases, and I could not be more excited to work them into our displays and share them with our customers.”
TASCHEN – “The floral books from Taschen seem to fly off the shelves for us. Our customers usually buy more than one at a time and are using them as visuals within their home. This title is always an eye catcher with its brilliance of color on the cover.”
SQUARE TRADE GOODS– “We lean into the masculine aesthetic and no candle does it better than Leather & Smoke from Square Trade Goods Co. We can’t wait for the cold days of winter to burn this one in store!”
What kind of products / objects are you most drawn to right now?
Right now, we are drawn to buying for our three biggest categories: candles, books, and gourmet. I’m always on the hunt for something within those silos that is unexpected, since these areas tend to get saturated with a lot of the same.
What is the best purchase you’ve made for yourself this year?
The best purchase I’ve made for myself this year is my mint-condition, bright red 1969 BMW Roundie. There’s not much to say except that it’s pretty sweet.
What’s your personal go-to for retail therapy (like, where do you shop to feel good)?
My go-to for retail therapy is Todd Snyder in NYC. Let’s be honest, we aren’t wearing suits and ties. He works with Champion, and it’s kind of sportswear casual that’s like an elevated JCREW. It’s a great bridge between casual and workwear.
SO brand MUUR
Favorite Shoppe Online brand discovery?
Our favorite Shoppe Online brand discovery is the chalk line TWEE
Twee