Meet Our Retailers: Merchant Modern

We’re continuing our series highlighting small, independent boutiques, markets, and retailers across the country, and next up is Merchant Modern. Run by the coolest mother and daughter duo, Denise and Sara, they’ve grown their Los Angeles-based business from one shop into two while Sara continues her work as an artist.

Our relationship with Sara began around nine years ago when she and Janelle met in Japan. After that, they began selling Janelle’s textile art and now their stores stock our tabletop linens.

Stepping into Merchant Modern feels like entering a perfectly curated home. “We want it to feel special—the music, the lighting, the vibe—it all matters,” Sara explains. The personal touch extends beyond the aesthetic; Sara and Denise are hands-on, fostering connections with customers that make the shopping experience uniquely personal

For over a decade, their Venice location has been a destination for vintage housewares, art, and antiques, with their Atwater Village store bringing its own charm for the past three years. But Sara is still able to keep art a priority while running multiple shops. “I find it so hard because I find them both creative but they are so different and need a lot of attention,” she says. “Luckily I work in collections so I feel like I balance my focus on both.”

On top of all of that, Sara and Denise bring their passion for art and unique perspectives on design into people’s homes by working with interior design clients, helping them create a space that feels lived in by mixing old and new. She says, “My mum and I have always designed a way to tell a story with each room. We usually start with a vintage Moroccan Rug and then work around the space incorporating mid-century modern design with contemporary artists and sculpture.”

Looking to the future, Sara dreams of expanding Merchant Modern’s reach. “I’d love to curate more exhibitions or even open a Merchant House in Europe,” she says. For now, their LA stores continue to offer a space where every piece tells a story, and every visit feels like discovering something new.