Keeping it international at Market Street Traders
Kendra April 22nd, 2009
I have publicly decried the erosion of Ballard’s ethnic heritage and character in favor of condo developments and bars. Two years ago I attended the going out of business sale at the Scandinavian Gift Shop on Market Street to pay tribute to a family run business which signified the heritage of Ballard. I assumed that some type of business such as a tanning salon, restaurant, card shop, etc. was bound to take its place and remodel the quaint outside of the store.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that another ‘international’ business had moved in – Market Street Traders – another family enterprise who owns Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on the downtown waterfront. I finally made a trip over there recently. Although there is a new paint color on the store front, the cross beams etc. were left intact keeping the charm of the building. Inside the space is divided into part retail store and part cafe. The retail store promotes fair trade and contains colorful items from around the world with a definite emphasis on goods from Asian countries. I relived some of my travels as I examined the items for sale.
The cafe is a comfortable and pleasant place to sip a coffee or try one of their lunch specials. Although the menu was not as exotic as the shop, all items were reasonably priced and the staff were friendly.
Although I would have wished for the Scandinavian Gift Shop to have remained, at least this replacement contains the flavor of other cultures rather than some bland retail establishment.
Thanks for stopping in Market Street Traders, Kendra. Just wanted you to know that Tammy and Andy James, current owners of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop and now Market Street Traders, are longtime Ballard residents and their boys go to Ballard High. Tammy was born and raised here. So though the Scandanavian flavor of the shop has drifted away with Mrs. Hatley’s retirement, the store is still very much in the hands of your neighbors. (And we are happy to recommend Scandinavian Specialties and Olsen’s to all customers who come in looking for the Scandinavian Gift Shop!)