Once Davis established roots in Pflugerville, she and her husband, Derrick, opened a storefront to bring together local artisans under one roof.
Some context
Rebecca worked in the big box retail space and smaller shopping space before deciding to start her own jewelry line 11 years ago.
When opening The Merc in Pflugerville, the couple was determined to create a space for Rebecca's own product, but also a place to support local artisans in their business journeys.
“There's so many people who do great work and we've been fortunate to get a chance to see a lot of those,” Derrick said. “So, how can we find a way to incorporate that into what we do?”
The Merc fills the inside of a home built in the 1940s. Rebecca said the location has housed several different businesses throughout the decades—from a boutique to a library, which supported a local food pantry.
While the duo changed some of the lighting and landscaping, Rebecca said they still organize the business like a home.
Artisans selling soaps and bath bombs are found in the bathroom, for example, while kitchen and home decor goods enhance the kitchen and dining area.
“Before we had opened the store, I was in here one night working and I was sitting on the floor and I was like, ‘God, this really feels like a home. It's so homey in here,’" Rebecca said. “The light was coming in the windows and it was kind of an emotional moment for me. I don't know if I could picture this working anywhere else.”
With 15 vendors, the shop prioritizes shining a light on a variety of artisan products, such as clay jewelry, candles, planters and terrariums.
Rebecca said more than half of the vendors on display at the business have been part of the home since the beginning.
She said she makes a point to tell customers about the vendors they are purchasing from and builds relationships with customers as part of the small town shopping experience she hopes to create.
“I want it to be kind of an escape for them,” Rebecca said. “I want it to be a relaxing atmosphere. I'm not going to be on top of them. Of course, I'm here to help but getting to know the backstory and getting to know their family—that's been really cool for me.”
“[My wife’s] here all the time, this money goes to buy my daughter's car when she turns 16, this is my 4-year old back there hanging around running around the store. So, you know, it's the hometown piece,” he said.
What’s special about it?
As Pflugerville locals for the past 10 years, the pair also desired to share their city pride with others.
“You can go anywhere and get Austin merch,” Derrick said. “You can go anywhere in Houston and get Houston merch. We just wanted to be able to offer the same thing on the Pflugerville side because there's not much. The city has some things here and there but we want to be able to have a wider selection because we live here.”
- 403 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville
- www.shopthemerctx.com
