This weekend Angela Wisniewski launches her retail concept, Coup D’état, in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood, after a season of pop-ups in the city, including weekend stints at Smfld and Lost and Found Vintage. Angela has friends on the inside. They come from a career spent working with retailers, local and national, through her marketing firm, Hey Angela.
COUP D’ETAT; YEARS IN THE MAKING
“Since I was a teenager,” she says, “and working in retail, my professional ambition was to create my own retail experience. The kind of store I knew other women wanted and that Detroit should have.” So, about five years ago, she settled on the concept and the name, Coup D’état. Angela explained, “The name really sets the attitude of the store. It’s all about rebelliousness … I, personally, identify with the phrase. It speaks to doing your own thing with style and not being dictated to … it’s about expressing yourself freely.”
And with giant display windows and beyond gorgeous natural light, she’ll be doing it in style—and in good company, joining an ever-growing list of small businesses investing in the neighborhood. Midtown-born Avalon Bakery, has become a New Center staple, and the folks behind Supino Pizzeria and Selden Standard, are both working on second locations within walking distance of Coup D’état. As is the Kitchen by Cooking with Que, Yum Village, Busted Bra, The Peacock Room, etc.
Angela graciously answered our questions below, despite preparing for the launch of what is arguably her most important project in years.
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- COUP D’ETAT CLOTHING RACKS
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- COUP D’ETAT INTERIOR
DETROITISIT: WHEN DID YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH RETAIL?
Angela Wisniewski: I began to explore shopping, retail and seeking out independent shops when I was in elementary school. With what little cash I had, I liked to pick up pieces that would allow me to express myself. As much as I loved Contempo Casuals at my local mall, I would ask my mom to drive me to other downtown areas outside of where we lived—say, Royal Oak, for example. In the nineties when it was really a thriving hub for unique shops, restaurants, and culture to explore. In short, I always knew I had to have a shop of my own.
DII: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY AND OPEN A BUSINESS IN DETROIT?
AW: I love it here. My family is here. When I travel, I am always excited to return, and here I get inspired. When I began to put this business plan together, I felt that opening in Detroit proper would be the most fulfilling.
DII: WHY NEW CENTER?
AW: New Center is in the early stages of a growth spurt, and I love the way it feels there; there is a soul. I found an incredible Albert Kahn-designed space with a storefront right on West Grand Boulevard. The universe worked with me on this and it felt right.
DII: WHAT MAKES COUP D’ETAT UNIQUE?
AW: Coup is its own thing. The brick and mortar space really adds to the experience I wanted to curate for women shopping in the city. I think that the combination of merchandise (apparel, shoes, handbags, beauty + more) is a unique complement to similar businesses in the area.
DII: WHAT WILL ONE FIND THERE? DESCRIBE YOUR CURATORIAL RETAIL STYLE.
AW: First and foremost, it’s for the fashion girl. From style-forward activewear to handbags. I am not minimalist, never have been. But, those with more minimal aesthetics will find something, too. Most items are from independent designers and lines.
DII: MUST-HAVES FOR WINTER?
AW: For winter, I would prescribe a chic faux fur coat, killer boots, a hydrating skincare routine, tinted lip balm and a stylish handbag to stash everything in!
DII: WHAT ELSE?
AW: I cannot wait for you all to come shop! For the best experience, book an appointment!
Coup D’état is located in Cadillac Place, 3044 West Grand Boulevard, Unit 460, between Cass and Second avenues. Visit youresocoup.com or @youresocoup. Store Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
