Business Community

Curated Gig Harbor blends luxury and local

Posted on November 27th, 2024 By: Julie Warrick Ammann

After a successful career in luxury retail with Neiman Marcus, Tiffany Brooks is bringing her expertise to town with her new store, Curated Gig Harbor.

In September, Brooks purchased the former Arch & Starr General Store at 7807 Pioneer Way and gave it a fresh new look and feel. While she kept some of Arch & Starr’s merchandise, Curated now offers hand-selected gifts from local and regional artisans.

‘It’s an experience’

The store kicked off with a soft opening during the mid-November Shop Social event, formerly known as Girls Night Out. Brooks plans a grand opening celebration for Jan. 16.

“In luxury retail, it’s not just shopping — it’s an experience,” said Brooks, who believes she can bring that same kind of environment to Gig Harbor. However, she’s quick to emphasize that although the experience is a bit more refined, “it’s not stuffy.”

Brooks began her retail career in Las Vegas as a personal shopper’s assistant at Neiman Marcus. At 19 years old, it was her first glimpse into the world of exclusive high-end clientele.

The first shoppers during Curated Gig Harbor’s soft opening at the Shop Social event in mid-November. They were, from left, Preeti Sandhu, Laura All and Erin Yiung, all of Gig Harbor. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

“I got a great taste of merchandise — putting my hands on everything. I loved it. I loved everything!” she said.

Brooks spent much of her career with Neiman Marcus in Las Vegas while also venturing into entrepreneurship with an eco-friendly clothing line. She spent years working in Seattle retail, sparking a lasting love for the Pacific Northwest. Ultimately, her path led her back to the Pacific Northwest, settling in Gig Harbor.

Dream come true

When Arch & Starr hit the market for sale this summer, Brooks jumped at the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. “I always wanted a brick and mortar” store.

On her birthday, Brooks signed the papers on a retail dream several decades in the making.

Merchandise for sale at Curated Gig Harbor. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

While Brooks’ retail career began with an esteemed luxury brands known for its internationally recognized names, her true inspiration came from her grandmother’s closet, lovingly known as the “gift closet.”

“When I was little I’d go into the closet and create gifts,” Brookes said. “This (store) is literally my gift closet.”

Brooks continues the “gift closet” tradition in her own home today. “Picture frames — I used to be obsessed with those,” Brooks said. Even a waffle maker has found its place in the gift closet.

“Every time I give a gift,” she said, “I want to evoke a response.”

She hopes to inspire that sort of emotional reaction in her customers with their gift purchases. “It makes me feel good to make others happy.”

Curated owner Tiffany Brooks, right, with her daughter and collaborator, Zo Murphy. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

Curated merchandise

As a curator of unique gifts, Brooks connects with the stories behind the products she sells. She and Zo, her 22-year-old daughter, searched markets and trunk shows to handpick merchandise that’s never been seen in Gig Harbor.

Products like the SPIR candle, made by incarcerated men, reflect a mission of mentorship and second chances. SPIR, meaning “to breathe” in Latin, provides jobs and a fresh start. “These guys are actually getting a chance,” Brooks reflected after a moving visit.

Other regional artisans featured at Curate include Britta Ambauen, a jewelry maker from Seattle, and handcrafted cocktail company, Alpenglow.

Curate also caters to the canines in your life. The store stocks PETYUPP dog toys, crafted from high-quality leather and jute. You can even grab some pup pancake mix for your very good dog.

PETYUPP dog toys for sale inside Curated Gig Harbor. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

Wines and workshops

In addition to gifts, Curate plans to host wine tastings with an emphasis on small family-run wines made in the Pacific Northwest.

With decades of gift-giving experience, Brooks wants to share her knowledge with the community. Upcoming workshops in the new year will cover topics like holiday floral arranging, crafting gift boxes, and designing the perfect bridesmaid box.

Prefer to skip the how-to classes? Curate has you covered with premade curated holiday boxes, featuring unique hostess gifts and customized corporate options.

Gift-giving isn’t all about shopping for others at Curate. The store offers beautiful freshcut flowers. “It’s about self-care,” Brooks said. A cart from Tacoma’s Campfire Coffee will soon be serving coffee & hot chocolate.

Fresh-cut flowers for sale at Curated recently. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

Brooks is fully embracing life by the water and the small-town harbor vibe.

“I really love the waterfront,” she said. Though far from the dazzling spectacle of Vegas, her passion for perfect gift-giving remains bright with just the right amount of subtle sophistication appropriate for the PNW crowd. “It’s in my blood—I just can’t get away from it.”