shop local, shop the world

by Michaela Hart

Reconnect with the joys of shopping

Shopping locally can mean popping out to a neighborhood store, day-tripping to nearby historic towns or even a retail therapy weekend at the other end of the state. It’s immensely satisfying to meet merchants personally, ask questions, and take treasures straight out to the car. Shopping locally equals instant gratification!

At Albuquerque’s The Grey Heron, owner Kayla Miller says, “Our business is focused on interacting with our customers and local artists.” Her store inventory is decidedly European and coolly French country. Tabletop pieces by talented potter Sharon Caristo’s Birdsong Pottery offer smooth, neutral glazes and rounded shapes, blending perfectly with the sophisticated décor.

“We want customers to feel at home and uplifted, inspired when
they come in.” – Kayla Miller, owner of The Grey Heron

Part of The Grey Heron’s customer experience is painting classes, using chalk paint techniques. Many of the tables, chairs, and side pieces are painted by the owner herself, in subdued grays, creams and matte black. Miller offers customers interior design advice, personal curbside sales as well as delivery. “We want customers to feel at home and uplifted, inspired when they come in,” she says.

Also in Albuquerque, Nancy Klion’s Sarabande Home is on Rio Grande Boulevard. The towering cottonwoods and adobe compounds lining the street are an inviting prelude to Klion’s chic shop with a Mediterranean/Southwestern vibe.

Flocks of French ceramic Guinea fowl peck among handwoven linens and sparkling crystal goblets. Wooden kitchen tools are piled in rustic baskets; whimsical toys and children’s clothes line one wall. Amid this historic neighborhood, Sarabande customers encounter the unique, the useful and the unexpected, all in one friendly place.

The Khalsa family, owners of Sukhmani Home (one store in Santa Fe and another in Albuquerque) travel to select the choicest textiles, furniture and artifacts from Asia, South America and Mexico. Sukhmani shoppers walk in to find, literally, continents at their fingertips. Hangings, velvet pillows, ornate mirrors, bronze statuary–the exotic display is breathtaking. Even the candles are special, using no animal products. As a companion feature to Sukhmani interior design services, purchases may be taken home “on approval.” Customers can see their purchases in place and return them if necessary, with no obligation.

Sukhmani Home textiles and artifacts are sourced from the
owners’ travels to far-flung places.

Array Home, not far from Santa Fe’s Plaza is a well-known shopping mecca. “Our merchandise is here to touch, examine, satisfy our need for tactile experiences,” says owner Tom Stark. The big, airy Array space holds tabletop and bath delights, fluffy towels, terry spa robes, greeting cards and stationery, kitchen textiles, piles of pillows, cocktail napkins, scented candles and more.

Soft, handwoven scarves mound one table and the next is overflowing with luxurious soaps and lotions. The jewelry case, filled with handmade artisan jewelry, includes Peggy Lee Baker’s pieces, whose signature touch is glittering pave diamonds. Every treasure is carefully chosen to fit the Array customer’s expectation of high esthetics and exceptional quality.

New Mexico stores are packed with merchandise and customer service is at an all-time high. Curbside sales, appointments, and virtual store tours help customers stay safe. No waiting, no mistakes, no freight to pay. From local crafts, to exotic furniture, textiles, art, and tabletop décor, there has never been more to choose from. In New Mexico, the world is yours to shop.

resources
Array Home
arrayhome.com

Sarabande Home

Sukhmani Home
sukhmanihome.com

The Grey Heron