Sequim Gazette staff

Paris Glitter Cowgirl Glitz is what happened after former rodeo queen Irene Schmidt met up with Sara Cole.

 

Paris Glitter Cowgirl Glitz is an “occasional shop,” a new idea in retail.

 

The co-owners are still working in their regular careers, but their new enterprise provides Schmidt, a real estate broker with Windermere Sunland, and Cole, who owns Parisian Nails in Sequim, with an opportunity to indulge their love of “junque” — and to profit from it.

 

The two call themselves “junque gatherers.” They find stuff they like here, there and everywhere and then put it up for sale at their storefront just off Hooker Road.

 

It’s called an occasional shop because it’s only open three days a month. The next opening will be held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1-2, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.

 

The two say the arrangement is financially feasible because the shop is located in an out-of-the way spot. “We don’t need to be on Main Street,” Cole said.

 

And, they added, their inventory is carefully chosen.

 

“It’s a one-of-a-kind eclectic blend of vintage, second-hand, antique, repurposed hand-made shop,” Schmidt said.

 

They also say that in addition to profits, the shop provides them with a great deal of personal satisfaction.

“It’s a passion,” Schmidt said. “We love the hunt.”

 

She noted that she formerly owned an antique shop. Cole’s mom also was an antique dealer.

 

“It’s in our blood,” Schmidt said.

 

The owners mostly purchase outright the items they sell, though they will consider consignment pieces.

 

Innovative marketing plays a big role in the shop’s success. They have an active Facebook page where they provide their fans with teasers (search for Paris Glitter Cowgirl Glitz).

 

And they have an active newsletter, free to those who sign up.

 

Visiting the shop is an experience in itself, with many new items up for sale each month. Before reopening, the two rearrange the entire shop to best display their items.

 

The shop is at 33 Valley Center Place, across Hooker Road from the Carlsborg PUD warehouse.
For more information, call Schmidt at 460-4040.