Fancy meeting you here.

At DECO, we strive to showcase independent and local makers in a colorful environment filled with laughter and creativity.  We also take pride in mentoring creative entrepreneurs, supporting local nonprofits, and contributing to Raleigh's evolution as a city for creative thinkers.

When we opened DECO in 2012, our mission was to create a welcoming place for people who live, work, and play in Raleigh.  Over the years, we’ve become friends with thousands of customers, shared stories with visitors, and weathered the joys and challenges of a small business in a growing city.

When you come to visit, be sure to take a look at Raleigh's first parklet just outside our doors and enjoy the gorgeous sidewalk mural by Jenn Hales (also Raleigh's first) -- they are love letters from DECO to our home city.  When you step in to the store, you might be greeted with a mimosa or a cookie (at least, pre-Covid!), but you will absolutely be welcomed by our friendly staff and our curated collection of gifts that will make you smile.

Thank you, Raleigh.  We love you, we advocate for you, and we hope to be your friends for a very long time.

Pam Blondin, Owner
Savannah Bridges, Senior Store Manager

Image above: DECO Raleigh by Amy May Pop Art

Our Story

It started in 2012 on the corner of Hargett and Salisbury Streets in downtown Raleigh.  DECO owner Pam Blondin and Empire Properties took a risk that Raleigh was ready for local retail that was walking distance from downtown businesses and residents.  And Raleigh overwhelmingly said YES!

Over the years, we haven’t shied away from opportunities to continue to grow Raleigh’s independent retail scene.  Whether it’s creating a pop-up shop, curating another gift shop, or trying new concepts like DECO Home, we aren’t afraid to try, try again.

In 2018, we decided to move around the corner to Salisbury Street.  The move allowed us to combine DECO and DECO Home in an expanded space.  It also opened storefronts for additional retail to join us on our powerful little local retail corner!

Our Team

Savannah Bridges, our Senior Store Manager, is something of a retail savant. She embodies DECO’s mission inside and outside the store.  Together with our merchandise queen, Meg Finn, and our committed and talented staff, we have one of the best teams in Raleigh! 

Owner Pam Blondin manages the business of DECO largely from her home office. She is an active member of the Raleigh community, serving on several nonprofit boards and advisory groups. 

Community Partners

Whether it’s promoting our beloved Carolina Hurricanes, raising funds for local charities, or donating goodie bags to frontline workers, we do everything we can to support our neighbors and Raleigh’s very best.

Since opening in 2012, DECO has donated more than $100,000 in cash and merchandise to help Raleigh charities fulfill their missions.

We believe in basic human rights.  Yes, we are a retail store and not an advocacy group, but DECO has supported LGBTQ+ & BIPOC communities since the day we opened.  Aside from donating funds and flying flags, we have a commitment to representing all people when we hire staff, select merchandise, search for new vendors, and mentor entrepreneurs.