Retailer Feature: Modern Mouse in Alameda, CA
Why did you decide to open Modern Mouse?
I love all things handmade, and I've always had an entrepreneurial streak. When the opportunity presented itself to bring a handmade boutique to my community, I jumped at the chance. Modern Mouse first opened its doors to the public with a collection of fun, high-quality handmade goods from over 50 starting artists on November 9, 2009.
What helps you decide which pieces to carry in your shop?
We're a little-bit-of-everything boutique, and we look for the most delightful in each category! Our specialty is in local + handmade goods, and we offer a carefully curated collection of stuff we love and think our customers might too. We scour local craft fairs and other sources for new artists and also get new applicants through our online application.
Where do you recommend customers eat or grab a coffee and snack
near the shop?
My favorite place to eat at South Shore is Sushi House -- generous portions of fresh and delicious sushi at great prices. Up Park Street (our main drag), my favorite places to grub are Hang Ten Boiler (mm, crab) and Burma Superstar (tea leaf salad!), followed by a tapioca milk tea dessert beverage from newly opened Bambu.
What's a hidden gem (eatery, shop, scenic lookout, hiking trail, etc.) in Alameda that few know about?
Eatery: Little House Cafe. Scenic lookout and walking trail: Shoreline Park on Bay Farm Island, which is close to where I live. Oh, and the family and I also looove hanging out on the outdoor patio at the family-friendly Rock Wall Winery (yes, a winery in Alameda) on a sunny day!
What is the best part/most surprising part about owning the shop?
Aside from being able to be surrounded by such dangerously tempting merchandise all the time, one of my favorite parts of shopkeeping is getting to meet and befriend such a wide variety of people, from our talented and inspiring artist/crafter/design entrepreneurs to our wonderful customers, and my dear staff whom I affectionately consider a part of my growing family.
On the more surprising end is just how much has to happen behind the scenes to make the business run smoothly. I knew it would be a ton of work but haven't ceased to be impressed by how much data there is to manage, track, report on and analyze, especially given our consignment business model. I should thank my dad for forcing me to change majors from Poli Sci + Rhetoric to Business Administration, and I don't know if our systems could ever have been so solid if it weren't for my lots of backend work by my software developer hubby and sister. It takes a village!
Modern Mouse
2223 South Shore Center
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 814-8830
Mon – Fri 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Retail feature: A Priori in Berkeley, CA
A Priori is nestled in the heart of Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto, just doors down from the flagship location of Peet's Coffee and Tea. Walk through the store's doors, past the welcoming window display, and you'll be sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list.
A Priori features home decor, personal accessories and jewelry, bath and body items, cards and paper goods, and even has something for the kiddos in your life. Owner Lisa Tana opened the store in 2011, beginning an ongoing hunt for high quality items that you won't find everywhere else.
One common thread underlying all of the store's wares is a focus on sustainability. Tana visits local trade and retail shows as well as researches online to find goods that use recycled materials, are made locally, or are fair trade.
Another priority for Tana is the personal relationships she builds with her customers. Tana chose to locate her shop in this area of Berkeley because of the diverse and vibrant community that includes long-time Berkeley residents and University of California faculty and students alike.
Landmark local businesses like nearby Chez Panisse draw foot traffic from locals as well as tourists. "We really do care about our customers, what they like and what they want to see," says Tana. While A Priori will soon be expanding into ecommerce, it's the brick and mortar store that allows the store to remain so tightly woven into the local community.
So the next time you find yourself in North Berkeley, make sure to make a stop at A Priori- you're sure to find something special to take home with you.
A Priori
2112 Vine Street
Berkeley, CA
(510) 666-1346
Monday - Friday 10am-6pm
Sunday 12-5pm