Patriot Store co-owners Joy Miedecke and Karen Hawley moved their patriotic boutique from La Quinta to Palm Desert in summer 2023 with the mission to supply people who are interested in politics with apparel, jewelry, souvenirs, and other merchandise.
Tourism brought the store to sunny El Paseo, where they sell goods donning the American flag. “A lot of people come here from other countries, especially Canadians,” Miedecke says. “They love American politics, and they want to go home with a souvenir.” T-shirts and mugs imprinted with the flag are popular takeaways for visitors.
Working with local designers, the Patriot Store offers customizable jewelry that can be bedazzled with letters to spell whatever customers would like. “We actually have a jewelry artist here that does personalized jewelry, and it’s really cute,” Miedecke says. Other red, white, and blue accessories stock the shelves here. “We even have sunglasses with crystal American flags on the sides,” she says.
A niche of people throwing Yellowstone-themed parties find the Patriot Store especially interesting. The fan-favorite glitzy shirts sold here depict memorable moments and images from the hit television series Yellowstone, making them among the store’s bestsellers. “I know that doesn’t sound like it might go into a Patriot Store,” Miedecke muses. “But when you think about it, [the country] was the Wild, Wild West.” Miedecke suspects the show’s final season this year will bring in business as people come together for watch parties.
From classic American flags to emblematic quotes and glittery fashion statements (including plenty of plays on Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan), the baseball hats make it easy to display your political opinion. Flashy cowboy hats await customers looking for headwear with a little giddyap.
Patriotic golf balls, golf shirts, and matching visors expand the customer base to folks who like to hit the greens. The fun also extends to children with the Patriot Store’s collection of T-shirts and dresses, also sporting the American flag.
The store prioritizes a fresh inventory to keep customers coming back. “We get in something different every day,” Miedecke says. Staples in the store’s collection are hard to keep in stock, but, she notes, “if you come back next week, it’ll probably be here.” Gifts, handbags, and drinking glasses are among the commonly restocked items.
The Patriot Store’s goal to share American politics with guests fuels the fire. Employees take pride in the inventory, recommending how to care for items and suggesting similar products to provide excellent customer service. “If you come to the store, you’re going to have a happy face because you’re going to feel what America is all about,” Miedecke says. “It is a very wholesome feeling to come in here and feel like America is still important, because it is.”