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Thu. July 12, 2007, 10:32am PDT
'Dragonfly' lands in Dome District
A couple weeks ago I noted that the old Premium Motors building was undergoing some change. Little did I know something would occupy the space so soon. Dragonfly set up shop in the old building at the corner of Puyallup Ave. and "A" Street [ map ]. It seemed like overnight before they had half the space filled with items from jewelery and scarves to wall tile mosaics and antique furniture.
After visiting on their official first day open I had a chat with co-owner Angela Schellenburg.
Q: Why did you choose to locate in the Dome District?
A: This district has a lot of memories for my brother and I. Our father's childhood home was located where the Tacoma Dome is. We have been looking for the right spot in the downtown area for a while. We Import unique one of a kind items from Asia where my husband and I lived and taught at the American School for two years. We were looking for a rustic warehouse with great potential. When my brother and I saw this space we both knew it was the right one for us.
Q: What's the philosophy behind your store?
A: Our store philosophy is to create an environment where people can come in and have a unique shopping experience. Many of our items are old antiques from the countryside in China. They have a distinct feel and look to them. After living and working in China we were able to shop for antiques and choose items that we know will blend well in a western home. We have many great ideas on how to use the furniture.
The combination of items we carry varies from furniture, jewelry including fresh water pearls and gemstones at great prices. Handbags, exclusively made items from personal vendors in China. Dragonfly is a very different concept but it has been warmly welcomed in our Gig Harbor sister store called Red.
Q: Tell me about any items you sell that are particularly unique or that you're proud of.
A: We carry a line of handbags made by Lilli's of Shanghai and these bags are so unique. Lilli was the original designer for the bag in the last show of Friends. Her handbags are all hand crafted and beautifully designed. Our jewelery is truly amazing. We started with 10 pieces and now have over 2,000 different styles. We buy directly from vendors in China, some of them have oyster beds in their backyard. In fact, some of the vendors we buy from is where the President's wives have shopped for jewelry when they are in China. We carry unique jewelry that comes with a silk bag. It creates special gifts that are one of a kind.
Our inventory is constantly changing with the new styles. We work with European designers and bring in the latest trends in jewelry. I am also very proud of the photography we carry from a famous photographer in Shanghai. His name is Gang Feng and his company name is Gang of One. Gang Feng has a way of capturing the heart of the people he photographs. The pictures that he takes of children will speak to your heart.
Q: What does the future hold for your space and even product selection?
A: We plan on bringing in different items from around the world as well as unique items that are made here in the states. We have many other plans for this space. All of these ideas are focused on bringing the unique experience to the consumer.
They're open from 10am-6pm Tuesday through Saturday. Here also is an article from yesterday's Peninsula Gateway. Check out the pics below for a peek into the shop.
Comments (5) | To Top
7/12/2007 @ 11:05am
It kind of looks like World Market.
by Jake
7/13/2007 @ 3:57pm
Sounds like a great place to buy gifts...particularly for sister's that like handbags and jewellery...
by Toni
7/13/2007 @ 4:24pm
You're not kidding. Hopefully at some point they'll get a store online so you can see this stuff. Pretty awesome and right around the corner from our office.
by KevinFreitas
10/12/2007 @ 10:34am
I actually cannot wait to visit this new shop. I just found out about it. Yeay for downtown Tacoma!
by Noelle B
10/12/2007 @ 10:52am
It's a fun place Noelle. Do stop back by here and let everyone know what you think!
by KevinFreitas