Although the shop was unable to host a grand opening or large gatherings in the beginning stages of the project, the event interaction has continued to evolve along with the restrictions of the pandemic. Gift Shop began hosting a variety of pop-ups following mask mandates and social distancing rules. “We would always ask, ‘what can they bring as far as joy or sharing with the community?’” “People came by with ideas for events,” Park said in an interview.
During its opening weeks in January, the staff slowly welcomed in the CID community - those natives to the neighborhood, newcomers, and creatives. The opening for the artist shop, however, was delayed, and their team began working on opening Gift Shop with a similar vision in mind. Prior to the shop’s opening, the Whinneys were initially set to open a different shop in the ID called the Pylon Market, set to showcase global artistry as “interconnectedness of self, society, and the natural world”. While locally-curated art, prints, food, espresso and natural wines are displayed on its normal business days, the cafe is most known notably for being the site of many pop-up events showcasing the work of small businesses and local artists.
“We want to make this a destination for the people.” “We’re working on our inventory - we want to bring more light here,” director of marketing Annie Park said. Filled with flourishing plants and guest-requested music, Gift Shop team envisions its small space as a comfortable gathering place for all community members - a spot to find good prints, grab a quick snack, or just to hang out for a few hours. Gift Shop (that’s its name, notice the caps) opened its doors during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with the goal of making the space as one for the CID community. But unlike an average coffee shop and true to International District, this corner store acts as an expanding space for opportunity for local creatives. Photo by Jill Wasberg.Īt the start of this year, father and son Seattle residents Joe and Henry Whinney opened an espresso cafe in the center of the CID.
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