Publication: THE SUNDAY GAZETTE-MAIL
Published: 11/06/2005
Page: 1F
Headline: SHOP & EAT SHOPPING BLOSSOMS ON QUARRIER STREET BLOCK
Byline: JULIE ROBINSON

When two distinctive shops took up residence next to Blossom Deli in the 900 block of Quarrier Street, they created an opportunity for close-proximity dining and shopping. Showcase West Virginia and the Consignment Company both offer unique items in specialty store atmospheres. Blossom's menu is a distinct creation of chef/owner Bill Sohovich and chef Bill Dotson. "The main idea was to create more of a boutique," said Megan Douglas, Showcase West Virginia manager. "We want to be a draw so people can experience all the shops downtown."

Brightly colored, hand-blown glass ornaments and vases immediately catch the eye when shoppers enter Showcase West Virginia. The freshly painted facade matches the apple green and robin's egg blue shop walls. Products and art made in West Virginia fill the shelves. When Showcase West Virginia moved out of its previous location in Charleston Town Center, managers pared the merchandise line to include fewer souvenirs and more high-quality pieces, said Douglas.

Photographs by Betty Revard, stained glass by Martina Huson, and intricately carved boxes by Herb Miller share space with more homely products like Blue Smoke Salsa. Shelves are filled with jams, jellies, salsas and wines, which are popular items that employees use to fill gift baskets. Cases of chocolates tempt customers who have demanding sweet teeth. Books, hand-carved wooden items, note cards, jewelry and quilted items are also big sellers for customers seeking an unusual local gift, said Douglas.

Customers accustomed to strip mall lots lament the limited parking on Quarrier Street, but Douglas pointed out several parking garages and lots within a two-block area.

Women looking for clothing beyond the limited lines available in some retail stores are pleasantly surprised at the variety of clothing and accessories available in her store, said Consignment Company owner Tammy Krepshaw. "I have a lot of consignors who shop out of town, so they have access to things you would find in Pittsburgh or New York," she said. "We have middle- to high-end clothes, not more than two years old, maybe three if the style is traditional." Customers browse the racks of clothing, which are organized by size and color. With its soft pink walls and old-fashioned wooden showcases and clothing racks, the Consignment Company retains the feel of its former occupants, the Quality Store and most recently Rosa's. Krepshaw said new customers frequently experience dej vu, saying that they used to visit the store when they were children accompanying their mothers on a shopping spree at the Quality Store. They often tell her that they plan to return, and to tell their friends about her store, words that Krepshaw said are music to her ears. When customers enter the Consignment Company, they walk through a cozy coffee shop area that Krepshaw installed as a place for her customers to relax and enjoy a coffee, smoothie or baked treat. The coffee shop's bistro tables and girlfriend motif create an intimate atmosphere that is especially popular on Saturday morning, Krepshaw said. "The coffee shop is a great meeting place," Krepshaw said. "There is something special about it that makes people just open up. It's so interesting to watch the connections people make as they chat over coffee." If the clothing prices don't seem as low as those in a thrift shop, Krepshaw said it is because of the high quality of the items she sells. The difference in consignment and thrift, she explained, is that thrift stores typically sell donated items that the previous owner doesn't value, while consignment stores sell items the owner considers too good to just give away.

After all that browsing, shoppers can get hungry. Blossom Deli is just a few steps down the sidewalk. A Charleston landmark, Blossom Deli looks much as it did during its earlier life as a dairy bar. Red vinyl swivel seats line the front of the bar, behind which chefs prepare the deli's signature sandwiches, salads and soups for the busy lunch crowd. The walls of the art deco interior still advertise the 1942 menu, including hot dogs and ice cream floats, milk shakes and sundaes. Late afternoon shoppers will experience a more sophisticated Blossom. For the evening meal, white cloths cover the tables and the menu switches to filets, pork medallions, veal, shrimp, and chicken, all distinctively prepared and served with flavorful side dishes and delicate sauces. The more imaginative salad selections from lunch make the cut for the dinner menu and accompany a nearly endless variety of pastas, sauces and combinations.

Diagonally across from Blossom on Hale Street, the Art Emporium offers a selection of educational toys for children, in addition to the expected art supplies and framing and matting services. An upstairs gallery holds an exhibit of art by local artists. Also a Town Center transfer, the Art Emporium moved to Quarrier in part to be more convenient for corporate customers, said Laura Alvis, framer.

All the shops stay open late for the monthly Art Walk, which is held on third Thursdays.

Both Showcase West Virginia and the Consignment Company are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Showcase is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

To contact staff writer Julie Robinson, use e-mail or call 348-1230.

Julie Robinson
Charleston Gazette
julier@wvgazette.com
304.348.1230 (work)
304.444.9517 (cell)