A few months ago I re-visited what used to be one of my favorite stores in the whole East Valley. As it ended up, it would my last trip there. And I’m not really surprised.

When I first stumbled upon it, the store had a little bit of everything – skin care, fragrance, interesting books … when my friend Sharyn had a baby, I went in to find a present and they had started carrying a skin care line just for new moms (including a nipple salve that I was sort of embarrassed to buy, and included a note that said: “I swear I am not thinking about your nipples that much”). The perfect gift.

It really became my go-to gift store – I’d recommend it for anyone, and whenever I’d swing in, there’d be something interesting. It’s where I first discovered the Korres skin care line – the ultrathick lotion is still a staple in my cabinet for decadent days.

But eventually the stock began to swing upscale. I think it started with those reed scent diffusers – one line of $80 fragrance wafters, then another. Then a wall of decanters that use catalytic converters to scent and freshen the air – beautiful, yes, but also expensive. The cheapest container was around $60, and the scented oils were at least $20 a bottle.

Here was my issue: I don’t like most people enough to spend $150 on their birthday, anniversary or especially “hey, I saw this and thought of you!” gifts. Certain longtime friends like the aforementioned Sharyn may actually top out a little higher, but most people end up with something cool and unique that cost somewhere between $20 and $50.

That store used to flourish with such gifts, but the last time I ventured in, most of those types of gifts were gone. I went to show my friend Michael the Korres line, but the store had decided not to stock it anymore: “I mean, now you can buy it at Ulta,” the saleswoman fairly spat out, like Ulta was a dirty word.

And I understand the allure of exclusives – I really do. But on the other hand, I also understand that putting all your eggs in one expensive customer’s basket is risky. And, in fact, the store recently closed its doors; the owner hopes to revamp it into a Web-based business.

However: I came to praise this particular Caesar, not bury him. (Which is why I’m not including the name of the store, lest it show up in Google searches.) The store had a good run for several years, but I think at the end it neglected its hidden but sizeable customer base – people who weren’t looking to drop $100 per person. The last time I was there I was looking for presents for six different women, and there was nothing in the $40-$50 range that was unique and special.  So I didn’t spent $300 there. In fact, the only thing I found to walk out with was a pair of cuticle nippers from Tweezerman.

You know where you can buy the whole Tweezerman line? Ulta. Last time I checked, that store was doing pretty well. In fact, they had just remodeled.

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 10/6/08
The shirt: Long-sleeved light cotton button-down by H&M’s second line, OGG. (My first trip to H&M! Chicago, 2005)
The pants: Boot-cut trousers (Banana Republic)
The shoes: Black leather “platypus shoes” by BCBG (Hand-me-down from my ex)
The scent: Grain de Plaisir by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier
Listening to: “Until Tomorrow Then” by Ed Harcourt

sammit

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