About Us

The Mystery Shop is a “third space” to gather, create, and have fun. We host a variety of events, including game tournaments, live music, screenings, workshops and pop-up vendor fairs. We also sell collectibles, games, cassette tapes, vinyl records, DVDs, local art, sports cards, comics, and more.

You never know what you’ll find at the Mystery Shop!

Our misson

Society today is more disconnected than it’s ever been. We’re all looking for that perfect “third place”—a place that’s neither home nor work, a space where we can relax , be ourselves, and connect with others. For many people, that space is a bar or a coffee shop, but that doesn’t work for everyone.

At the Mystery Shop, we believe that local community is powerful. We also believe it should be available to everyone. Our shop combines all the things we love the most—80’s horror films, underground music, retro toys and collectibles, games, comics, and the best of pop culture—and we gather it all in one all-ages space. As Alex says, “When I was a kid, my friends and I used to hang out at McDonald’s to play card games—Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragonball Z, Pokémon . . . This is exactly the sort of place we would have loved to have had.”

In any given month, you can find us partnering with clubs, organizations, and promoters to host live local music, vendor pop-ups, TCG tournaments, tabletop roleplaying games, video game tournaments, open mics, workshops, community action events, and more.

We’re punk rock, nerdy, retro, DIY weirdos. We don’t look like a big box store or a trendy boutique. We may not be for everyone. But whoever you are, you’re welcome here.