FOR THE INFORMED SHOPPER

August is the cruelest month.  Seems many people are on vacation–or want to be.  Numerous shops are closed for August. For the design and retail establishments here, this predicable, seasonal hump comes every year and is always met with surprise and dismay by store owners.  But August gives the troops—both store owners and those elusive shoppers–time to regroup for the Season ahead.  Here is what I found on a recent, quick walk through on a hot afternoon on Antique Row and Georgia Avenue and is in no way meant to be inclusive. 

The William Wright Collection is using this month to reorganize and re-merchandize the shop.  But the store is open and chocked full of items from table ware, jewelry and fashion items to artwork and decorative accessories. 

Cherry Pickers next door is the store front for Estate Appraiser, Ken Bremmer, the store’s knowledgeable owner.  The store has a tempting selection of furniture, silver, accessories, jewelry and one-of-a-kind items that you can’t find anywhere else and can’t live without.  

The Nearly New is not affected by season.  It is continually “new,” changing and always full of vintage items: clothing, furniture, kitchen ware and accessories.  Visitors and locals alike shop here. You never know what you might find, and the price is right.

Patricia’s is one of the Row’s stalwarts.  The store is open throughout the year and is presided over by its French owner who has carefully curated a selection of her favorite things. She takes personal pleasure in sharing her knowledge of the history and provenance of the items in her collection. 

Georgia Avenue is a different shopping experience.  For the present the street because of its length and diversity is less dependent on the browsing shopper.  Store visits normally require a car, and the shopper usually has a specific destination in mind.  But the mixed array of workshops, galleries and specialty stories is well worth the effort. Georgia Avenue is undergoing some upgrades–so stay tuned.  

For a cursory look on the avenue, Devonshire is always open. It has an staggering selection of garden accessories displayed in front making the store hard to miss.  Inside is a diverse and not-found- elsewhere selection of accessories and art.  Summer slowdown aside, the owner said this has been their best summer in 18 years on the avenue. And in addition, Devonshire now has an 18,000 square foot warehouse nearby open by appointment. 

Casa Gusto is always worth a visit. The store is using August appropriately with remodeling projects inside and out. Not only do they have the most over the top inventory, but the store always looks like it’s ready for a photo shoot in Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens.  

Authentic Provance, another magazine worthy store, has an extraordinary collection of garden ornaments, furniture and accessories.  The store itself, the side patios and a little, city garden full of statuary across the street all have a curated French and European flavor.  Well worth a visit especially when the “eye has to travel.”

What strikes me thinking back over just this short list of stores, is the amazing diversity and creative imagination represented here in West Palm Beach by the design, home furnishings and retail community.  Something we should be proud of and worth a visit!