2018 Update: Closed

E. Smith Mercantile first opened its doors in the Spring of 2013 in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square.  The shop's concept is grounded in American heritage and family history.  Jessie Poole, her sister Sara and mother Kate, are responsible for this new take on the classic General Store.  The shop offers small batch, hand crafted goods with a focus on passing the maker's story directly to the customer.  The team also offers an in-house curated line of dry-goods, coffee, candles and bitters.  Nestled in the back of their space is a Pre-Prohibition style bar.  When they first opened, this space was originally a 10-seat, horseshoe shaped bar that would immediately fill up with regulars.  It was an intimate space that encouraged conversation with the bartender, or a stranger across the way. These elements were not lost with their recent expansion. The newly reconstructed space is appropriately named The Heritage Room and will house their monthly dinners, on-going workshops and small private gatherings.

The ties of community run through every part of this shop, from intimate Guest Chef Dinners to monthly Art Walk events.  It is even reflected in the bar menu, with 50% of proceeds from the "The Muralist" cocktail - tequila, saler's, dolin blanc, lavender bitters - going to support youth programs at Urban Artworks. E. Smith Mercantile is a neighborhood staple that continues to generate buzz around new projects.  We are inspired seeing their passion and drive and will be loyal supporters as they continue to thrive in the years to come.

Photography by AJ Ragasa 

 Back Bar & Heritage Room

E. Smith Mercantile & Back Bar

208 1st Ave S

Seattle, Wa 98104 

Posted in Food + Drink, Seattle, Shops

2018 Update: Closed

Deborah Roberts and Faris Du Graf opened Rizom in the Fall of 2016.  Established designers in their own rights, the shop is an extension of their combined aesthetics and vision.  In its seventh season, Deborah's clothing collection Silvae is a perfect pairing with Faris's modern namesake jewelry collection. Originally the studio of photographer Charlie Shuck, their space in Belltown is a large, white canvas.  It's the perfect backdrop for two creatives with an eye for uncluttered detail, curated with the care and attention you would expect of an art gallery.  On a surface most retailers would fill edge-to-edge with product, in this space, there simply lies three small clutches with one-of-a-kind vases and statues.  The impact - you immediately slow down and observe the detail of each piece as you would perusing a museum exhibit.  However, this is far from a "look, don't touch" experience. The beauty of their shop is the direct engagement of designer to customer. Deborah and Faris exude warmth and charm as they sweep you in to touch, try and experience everything.  

Nordstrom Creative Director, Strath Shepard exhibits his collection of strange and beautiful books in the upstairs lofted space that comprises Pacific Standard Books. It feels like stepping into someone's personal design office - there's a wall filled with inspiration tears from magazines, shelves full of books, quarterlies and zines.  Rizom pulls you in to explore every corner; to see, touch and try all there is to offer. 2017 will bring in sought after designers Mr. Larkin, Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Ashley Rowe. Events and trunk shows will continue to be a focus, while a Rizom capsule collection is in the works.

Photography by AJ Ragasa

Rizom

2316 2nd Ave

Seattle, Wa 98121

206.441.7541

 Pacific Standard Books 

Posted in Seattle, Shops