OK, so not to point out the obvious, but Redding’s downtown isn’t like Chico’s.
Nor does it remotely resemble Fourth Street in Berkeley, where some really great shops are clumped together in one place. You park and walk from shop to shop. It’s so charming. I wish Redding’s downtown were like that.
But it’s not. Yet. So moving right along, love the one you’re with, right?
Right. Redding has some great shops. They’re just a little more spread out, like over the river and through the woods and back again. Here in the north state, we get in our cars and hunt for our shops.
For example, Monica’s Vintage Inspired gifts and furniture is my current favorite girly store. Don’t let its location, in the aged strip mall at 2425 on Athen’s Avenue, turn you off. (It’s near Klassique Kafe and the Bell Lounge.)
Monica’s store, owned and operated by Monica Templeton of Redding, is A+ adorable. Monica has a great eye, so everything is displayed beautifully, but she also has a knack for ordering things I like. Even her packaging is classy, with a brown shopping bag tied up with a gorgeous, fabric bow that I always save for the next time I give a gift.
It so happens that Monica helped organize a new event called Shophop. The fun happens on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and features 20 of some of Redding’s most interesting and charming independent retailers. Next year, Moncia said she’ll include even more shops, since many came to her attention after the brochures were already printed.
And yes, the Shophop is the same day as the Christmas parades in Redding and Igo. With a little planning, you could fit in both some shopping and a holiday parade. What’s not to like about that?
For inspiration, and to keep customers’ strength up, each Shophop retailer will include refreshments and special holiday decorations.
Saturday, Monica will serve chocolate and champagne, two of my favorite food groups. I have no idea what the other shops will serve. I may have to go find out for myself, with my sister or a friend.
Monica agreed.
“This would be a perfect thing to do with girlfriends or your mom, or even guy friends, if they’re into shopping,” she said. Have fun, make a day of it, get something to eat. That’s what I was thinking about this. But also, it’s a way to encourage people to shop local and find something unique.”
Note: Each shop provides maps to other locations, but to start, here’s a list of Shophop participants.
A Charming Little Shoppe: 1822 Buenaventura Blvd.
Antique Cottage: 3270 Cascade Blvd.
California Decor Store: 1419 Yuba St.
Casual NV: Mission Square, 2797 Bechelli Lane
Dandelion: 1354 Market St.
Elegant Sole & Boutique: 1690 California St.
Fabrics, Etc., Home Fashion: 1738 Churn Creek Road
Hanselle’s: 5200 Churn Creek Road
Helen’s Closet & Salon: 1054 Market St.
Jo Jo’s Plus Size Boutique: 1830 Churn Creek Road
Kreations: 1701 California St.
m: 1556 Hartnell Ave.
Monica’s Vintage Inspired: 2480 Athens Ave.
Retro Rampage & The Feather Rose Jewelry
Sugarplum Cottage: 1734 Churn Creek Road
Suzie’s Shop on the the Corner: 1340 Churn Creek Road
Sweet Treats Candy Shop: 510 Hartnell Avenue, Suite D
The Lavender Barn: 421 East Cypress Ave.
The Remodeling Store: 2673 Eureka Way
Wild Thyme: 1272 Oregon St.
