Over 45 years ago, Bill and Ann Evans opened their family owned and managed retail store dedicated to the sale of products made in and inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Over time, they searched far and wide across the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho in the United States and the province of British Columbia in Canada to build relationships with local artists and manufacturers.
In 2017, they opened the shop’s Seattle location in the Wallingford neighborhood at 4411 Wallingford Ave. N. A year later, Matt and Cédric took over as owners. Today, they work with hundreds of suppliers to bring a variety of products to their shelves. The store has prospered through the years thanks to faithful customers and to the high quality merchandise we offer. Imagine my shock recently to see a “For Lease” banner on the front of the shop. After seeing the “For Lease” sign I stopped in to talk to Matt. He explained that after 7 years in Wallingford, a larger retail space became available in the building where the store is located, right next door to the previous location. Matt and Cédric jumped on the opportunity to expand. 
As of this month, the shop is open in its new space, more than double the size of the previous one. “We’re excited about the opportunities this provides to feature work by more artists and creators, and to organize events that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.” remarked Matt. Pictured is Matt in the new store location. 
Sadly, Bill Evans passed away last year.
This is a link to an article that was published in the Tacoma Weekly after Matt’s dads passing last year:
https://tacomaweekly.com/19-04-2024-06-20-02-pm-3381380.pdf
After visiting with Matt in the new Wallingford location, he provided me with a description of how the PNW shops came to be.
“The Pacific Northwest Shop has deep roots in Bill and Ann’s support of artisans and cottage industries. While living in Peru in the 1960s and 70s, Bill and Ann bought pieces of folk art such as jewelry, handwoven hats, and ponchos that they would send back to the States. When they returned to the U.S., they’d amassed such an exquisite collection that they opened a stand at the Pike Place Market in 1974. Their small market table was so well received that Bill and Ann wanted to grow the venture into a larger, more stable brick-and-mortar store. Old City Hall in Tacoma had just been renovated as a mixed-use center with retail and restaurants, the perfect place for Incaland, the store they opened in 1975. A second Incaland location was opened in the Lakewood Towne Center.
While returning for visits to her homeland of Ireland, Ann began to ponder over the gift shops she’d come across. “We were selling imported goods, but when I went to Ireland there were gift shops selling products made in Ireland to tourists. So, we thought, why can’t we sell locally made products to locals and tourists here in Washington?” she recalled.
Thus, a transition ensued to open a new shop. The Pacific Northwest Shop was born in 1978 in Old City Hall. The store moved to its current location at 2702 N. Proctor St. in Tacoma in 1981. Over the years, it has been a destination for tourists and locals alike. Offering products from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest Shop is more than just a retailer. Its ethic runs much deeper as a loyal supporter of local artisans and makers, authors, and small business entrepreneurs.
In 1986, the shop went mobile when Bill and Ann were invited to participate in Expo ’86, the World Exposition in Vancouver, BC. Pavilions from Washington, Oregon and California were part of the expo, and the Pacific Northwest Shop received the exceptional honor of being chosen as the only gift shop in the Washington State pavilion.
Matt, after having gone away to college and, subsequently, to Paris, France to live for many years, came back to the area in 2014 and began working in the business. “My involvement in the shop wasn’t meant to be permanent but it has really worked out and I’m so glad that it has. This is the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had.” Matt says.”
Today, as a second-generation small family business, they work with hundreds of suppliers to bring a variety of products to the store shelves. Today, their brick-and-mortar gift shops are located in the historic urban villages of Proctor in Tacoma, and Wallingford in Seattle. They have always been proud supporters of local activities such as the Wallingford parade, Historic Wallingford and the summer Sip and Shop event. As the holiday season fast approaches, they welcome the local communities to come explore and shop the local treasures. You can check out the store locations at www.pacificnorthwestshop.com. A few pictures of the new Wallingford shop are presented below. 
