Since 1973 the Skagit Valley Food Co-op has been bringing local, organic, fair trade, and natural grocery items to the residents of Mount Vernon and beyond. But did you know that this philosophy applies to their wearables selection as well? Climb the stairs to the Co-op’s Mercantile and you can find fashionable soft goods and jewelry that are as gorgeous as they are sustainable.
On a recent visit I asked a pair of cheerful employees who happened to be on duty to name their favorite items. Dale immediately pointed me in the direction of the Boody bras. Made of super soft bamboo viscose and available in a variety of skin-toned neutrals, Boody offers bras and other undergarments for both men and women. And speaking of intimate wearables—let’s talk about socks. From sassy novelty options to Darn Tough hiking and running socks, you’ll be able to find a pair to keep your toes warm here.
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
The second-floor gift shop also carries a wide variety of products from Maggie’s Organics, a garment manufacturer dedicated to promoting fair trade and ethical practices from start to finish. From using fibers from sustainably run farms to working to ensure garment workers receive fair wages, Maggie’s Organics is dedicated to creating products where “every resource and every person has been treated with dignity.” This loungewear is both comfortable and stylish.
Perhaps inspired by the many visitors Skagit Valley hosts during the annual Tulip Festival, the Co-op’s Mercantile also offers adventure-ready accessories: sunglasses, lots of hats, hair clips, tote bags, and umbrellas. Several feet of wall space are also devoted to scarves, some transparent and delicate, others more substantial. The clothing selection changes frequently. One day a shopper might find organic cotton crocheted cardigan shrugs, another day a selection of fine, kimono-style bathrobes might appear.
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
Co-op employee Amber pointed out the SoulKu line of jewelry as a favorite of their younger customers. Every piece of jewelry from this brand is handcrafted by a community of work-from-home moms in North Carolina that the company calls its “Mama Makers.” These delicate necklaces are made from Mighty Miracle nylon cord and feature at least one small gemstone, all packaged in a pretty envelope that explains the meaning of the stone. The envelope is also personally signed by its Mama Maker, creating an extra-special gift. The rest of the jewelry selection is just as thoughtfully curated, with both national and local artists represented.
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
I should mention here that there’s a lot more than clothes to see on this upper story. There’s a whole section devoted to kitchen gadgets, a shelf of cookbooks, and a selection of diaries and greeting cards, as well as a kid’s corner that contains toys, novelty gifts, select kids clothing, and other soft goods like bibs. The Mercantile spills over into the Deli’s Mezzanine seating area with a view of the Co-op’s wine aisle where you can soak in the satisfaction of shopping local with your new goods in tow.
Part tree house, part Aladdin’s cave, this easily overlooked section of the store is truly a browser’s paradise. 202 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, 360.336.9777, skagitfoodcoop.com
