Good Merchandise

The holidays are just around the corner!

2011-09-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

Another summer season has sailed by on Vashon Island. We are already gearing up for the holidays at the store! I will have an updated artist list and more website links for your amusement soon.

I am still providing alterations, and we're working on creating a workable space in the back for another service or art to be created on-site.

The Holiday Studio Tour 2011 is taking applications for the December tour. Applications are due by October 7th so get to their website and get your app turned in if you are planning a home show. We will be open during the studio tour; if you are interested in showing at Good Merchandise please contact me ASAP!

If you have a free moment, look us up on Yelp, Facebook, Twitter or Yellowbook. Leave a comment, make us your friend and help promote one of Washington's most unique stores!

Be sure to set up an appointment by phone if you would like to bring more work in or are a new artist.

Thank you so much to Simone Barry who has helped us out at the store all summer long. Good luck with your studies this year!!

That's all for now. Have a creative month!
-AnnaLisa

Consignment Artist Information and Guidelines

2011-05-23T14:53:00.001-07:00

Consignment Artist Information and Guidelines

In October 2009, Good Merchandise was opened by artist and resident AnnaLisa LaFayette. This unique art and retail boutique is located in the heart of downtown Vashon Island. The store address is:

17601 ½ Vashon Hwy SW

Vashon, WA 98070

We are located at the intersection of Vashon Hwy SW and Bank Rd., between the Liquor Store and the Hardware Store Restaurant. The store hours vary depending on the season, with the general store hours from 11am-5pm, Thursday through Monday.

Good Merchandise is a 100% locally-crafted art experience! All of the works are from artists who create original, quality, handmade goods. Items include photography, jewelry, baby items, fiber arts, bath and body products, candles, accessories, pottery, cards and more. There are currently over 100 artists represented and we are always looking for more!

Benefits of consigning at Good Merchandise include:

placement in the most prominent intersection of Vashon Island

networking and collaboration with other artists

announcements and recommendations to other opportunities

advertising and marketing

If you would like for your work to be considered, please send an email with a description, link, and any images of your art to:

vashongoodmerchandise@gmail.com

You can expect to be contacted within a week of your submission, although new work is not always needed in a specific medium and response times may vary. You can also follow up on your submission by calling the owner directly:

AnnaLisa LaFayette, 206-769-8627

Consignment Artists

Artists who are interested in selling their works at Good Merchandise are welcome without any additional commitment to the store’s operations. Our consignment artists receive 60% commission on sold works. The artist determines the price on all works. Good Merchandise does not modify the pricing or provide discounts on the commission due to the artist.

We have success with items priced in all ranges, with all of our items priced competitively and reasonably by the artist. Our most popular price range has been $20-60 for most items. We are happy to sell items from $1-500, with the majority of our sales occurring at $100 or under. When pricing for Good Merchandise, we suggest considering the following:

1. The amount of time was put into the item or the set

2. The total cost of supplies, equipment and/or fees to produce the item

3. The uniqueness of the item

4. The competitive price in the industry you sell in

We discourage different pricing for items in-store if you sell them independently or at other stores. Most professional artists maintain a consistent retail and wholesale price regardless of the location or method of sale (different store, Etsy account, craft fair, etc.).

Admittance Process and Requirements

Upon acceptance, artists are required to:

-review and sign the artist contract

-provide an inventory list for all items submitted

-label any items to be sold with the price and your name/title

-send, in writing, any specific requests or instructions for purchases

-transport or ship items to and from the store

-email a biography, photos and any promotional information for discussion of your works in-store and online

If you would like your items to be tracked based on style, design, or inventory number, please include the information on the inventory and on each item. This will help us track your sales accurately. Items not given a specific number or title will be described to the best of our ability.

Storage and Shipping Policy

There is limited storage for items at Good Merchandise. Before sending inventory, please make sure there is space to store any overstock if you would like to send a larger number of items at one time. It is the responsibility of the artist to ship items to and from the store. Items should always be shipped in protective packaging. All merchandise must be sent to the mailing address listed below. We are unable to accept mail at our location unless it is UPS/FedEx. Please send your items to:

Good Merchandise

PO Box 1335

Vashon, WA 98070

Payments and Inventory

Payment on all sold inventory totaling over $20 will be sent by the 20^th of the month for sales made in the preceding month (check sent in August for July sales). All sold inventory for the month not totaling over $20 will be carried over month-by-month until the total is over $20 or the artist requests payment. Payments are sent directly from the bank and do not include a sold inventory.

Artists are welcome to check on their inventory at any time. Good Merchandise does not submit monthly sold inventory reports to the artist unless it is requested. While we encourage seasonal inventory updates, please be sure to schedule an appointment and send notifications of new available items you would like to sell here.

HAPPY CRAFTING!

-AnnaLisa and the Good Merchandise Crew

Good Merchandise Ladies Softball Team Now Forming!

2011-05-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

Over 100 Artists!

2011-05-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

THANKS TO ALL OF THE ARTISTS AT GOOD MERCHANDISE!

We've made it a year at our new location and we couldn't have done it without so many amazing, talented artists from the Puget Sound region. Here's our updated list of in-store artists.

Abraham McBride

Adria Pontious

Alexandria Sandlin

Alisa Wagner Poage

Alison Bucklin

Alison Kennedy Taylor

Amiee Yelinek

Andie Styner

Andrew Trujillo-Russel

AnnaLisa LaFayette

Anne Gordon

Anne Iszler

Annie Russell

Ben McQuillin

Beth Lisa Goss

Beth Reiter

Brett Matthewson

C & P Designs

Callen Lewis

Carole Sussman

Chatauqua Elementary

Cheryl Nicholas

Christine Azula

Claire Jauregui

Colin Brynn

David Cleeton

David Cole

David Earle

Debbie Granner

Don Lester

Dona Bradley

Douglas Mesney

Drusilla Pratt

Emily Gripp

Emily Wigley

Enoch Tobin

Erin Wheeler

Eva Anderson

Fern Clifford

Fiddle Home Farm

Gabriel Blake

Gabriel Smith

Gail Larcom

George Kurzman

Heather Hansen-Brynn

Heidi Stair

Holly Davis

Ingrid Rowe

Isaiah Heyer

Jacob Little

Janis McWhirter

Jenika Shipley

Jessica Hamilton

Jessica Salazar

Joanne Kirby

John Anderson

Joshua Manwaring

Jude Spaith

Julie King

Karen Carston

Karen Norbeck

Kathy Webster

Kelly Jones

Leigh Huggins

Lisa Baker

Lyndee LeBeau

Maggie Louden

Maggie Smith

Malia Lysen

Marek Little

Marjon McDermott

Matthew Himmelespach

Matthew Porter
Melissa Brynn

Melissa Mabrey

Michelle

Mollie Moisan

Nancy Carr

Nicole Turchik

Peter Ray

Phyllis Clark

Raymond Martinez

Robert Teagardin

Rod Smith

Rose Belschner

Ruben Arnot

Sandra Cooper

Sandy Herrera

Sarah Musi

Sheree Tomoson

Silvio Gripman

Simone Barry

Sister Sage Herbs

Slide Sideways

Sophia de Groen

Stacy Swanby

Starr Niego

Steve Fadness

Sue Stinson

Sue Weston

Susan Moffett

Susana Tam

Susannah Fitz

Tag Gornall

Tina Witherspoon

Tomoko Uno

Two Obsessed Jewelry

Valerie Lulu Roberts

Wendy Jo Weston

Wendy Nickolay

Wendy Van de Sompele

William Champion

Zena McCoy

Zhaleh Khoshkhoo

Zoe Adberg

May!

2011-04-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Multiple updates...
-New store hours are 11am to 5pm Thursday through Sunday or by appointment.
-1 year anniversary at our new location May 5th!
-Vashon Island Spring Art Studio Tour May 7-8 & 14-15. 22 studios and three stores this year! Come check out the many talents our store and other artists have to offer on the island.

We'll have another update out in a week or so with more details on summer plans!
-AnnaLisa

Recent Press

2011-02-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

We're very fortunate the story took on so quickly, and a little caught off guard. Please check out the following links about the recent events at the store. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me by email. Please be patient but I will reply!

-AnnaLisa

vashongoodmerchandise (at) gmail dot com

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/news/116511483.html

Story by Liz Shepherd, Vashon Beachcomber

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/02/17/homosexual-content-not-allowed-on-vashon-island

http://www.seattlepi.com/sound/435833_sound116511483.html

Interesting discussion!

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/116629258.html

We were on KOMO for several segments running.

Censorship and the opportunity it brings

2011-02-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

Across the street at the Two Wall Gallery, Greg Davila and Monica Gripman's amazing love-theme art was shown with several other artists for the month of February. When the owners (specifically Louise Rice and her daughter Wendy) of the building showed up, they went flippin' nuts.

They personally took down the images and delivered them to the Heron's Nest in the same building. They (Louise and/or Wendy) were noted as saying the images were of "HOMOSEXUAL CONTENT AND OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE." The artists and curators were notified. I was also in the loop and decided to document the images that were removed, the images that were left, and how I feel about it.

One of Two Walls, now bare of Greg Davila's work.

In the back, there was a bunch of trash, ladders and crap. I found this more offensive than the art.

Davila's wall again.

This empty case is in the gallery too. It was also offensive because it was barren.

A few additional images of art that was not removed (I've updated the pictures to be horizontally or vertically correct, just for you Mr. Petersen). I've included my own, over-the-top interpretation of how offensive the remaining show could be, leaving me feeling puzzled about the reason Gripman and Davila's work was removed:

St. Sebastian probably wasn't a white man. Offensive. (I previously assumed in the heat of the moment it was Jesus Christ and was corrected).

Full artistic frontal, nipple, etc. Offensive.

Full artistic backside. Offensive.

Nipple. Offensive.

These girls do NOT look of age. Offensive.

Sci-fi nipple. Offensive.

Sci-fi cleavage. Provocative.

(Recent addition:) There's a naked body on her head! Offensive.

Here's a few of the art that was removed. We shot the images at Good Merchandise where they can now be viewed from the outside and to the public.

This one is by Monica Gripman. It has the eff word in it. Offensive.

Two men, and I can't tell if they're naked, can you? Offensive.

Totally non-hetero, PG13 image. I was more bothered by an episode of Parenthood last night than this image.

See two lovers embracing on the left? Offensive.

Woman in mirror, with breasts covered, with topless individual. Offensive.

All of the images from Monica and Greg can be viewed at Good Merchandise.

We 100% believe in our rights as citizens of the United States, which includes

FREEDOM of SPEECH!

Very Progressively,

AnnaLisa

Gift Certificates now available!

2010-12-28T13:33:00.001-08:00

We now offer gift certificates you can purchase from the blog! All you need is a credit card. You can also purchase them by mail with a check or in the store of course.

Holiday Schedule

2010-12-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

Woah!! We're almost there! We will be open on Christmas Eve, Closed on Christmas Day and Sunday. We will also be closed early New Year's Eve and will be closed New Year's Day.

Be safe and have a great holiday season!
AnnaLisa

P.S. We will also most likely be closed on Thursday!

Councilwoman LaFayette

2010-12-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard, I am now on the Board of Directors for the Vashon-Maury Island Community Council and am serving as Secretary. I have every intention of serving our community to the fullest of my abilities while further nurturing the artist population of the Puget Sound region.

Have something to say about Vashon? Send me an email, your input is welcome and very necessary for the island to grow!!

-AnnaLisa LaFayette
Secretary, VMICC (who can be reached at fairweatheraffairs@gmail.com for all VMICC inquiries)

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy

2010-11-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

Tina Witherspoon of Glamspoon gave us a mention on Seattle Channel!
Check it out in it's entirety or scan through to minute 26 or so.

Thanks Tina!!

Seattle Channel Video can be played in Flash Player 9 and up

Holiday Studio Tour December 4-5, 11-12

2010-11-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

Come check us out along with 30+ other studios along the windy ways of Vashon. A weekend or two not to be missed.

http://vashonislandartstudiotour.com/Holiday2010/

Good Merchandise Anniversary Party! October 29th, 2010

2010-10-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Please help get the word out about the party! All of our artists are invited to commemorate the first year of success!

Here's to many, many more,

AnnaLisa

Contact: Good Merchandise

AnnaLisa LaFayette, Owner

Store Location: 17601 1/2 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon, WA 98070

Mail: PO Box 1335, Vashon, WA 98070-1335

Phone: 206-769-8627 cell

Email: vashongoodmerchandise@gmail.com

Blog: good-merchandise.blogspot.com

Website: good-merchandise.com

Vashon, WA: AnnaLisa LaFayette, owner of Vashon Island's Good Merchandise, is proud to announce the one year anniversary celebration of her first retail store in the center of downtown Vashon on October 29th, 2010. The store will host an all-ages open house from 5-9pm with a 21+ reception at Sporty's from 9pm to Midnight, located three doors south at 17611 Vashon Highway SW.

Good Merchandise specializes in handmade, locally produced arts and items from within 50 miles of the island. The boutique boasts over 100 artists and is always accepting new artists. The store also provides alteration and custom sewing services.

The first year was a lesson in taking opportunities as they arise. In October 2009, the store opened in an off-street location, limiting the number of visitors who made it into the well-hidden shop. In April 2010, LaFayette was presented with the opportunity to relocate across the street at the old saw shop adjacent to The Hardware Store Restaurant. After an impressive three-week remodel and move, the store reopened on May 7th, 2010.

LaFayette plans to continue the storefront on Vashon while pursuing a location in another city for Spring 2011. "Vashon Island is a great flagship location for this store. We look forward to creating more exposure for local artists in a more populated location while expanding the amount of artists we can carry in one location," she explains.

For more information, please contact AnnaLisa LaFayette at 206-769-8627, vashongoodmerchandise@gmail.com or by mail at PO Box 1335, Vashon, WA 98070.

The Barefoot Bandit Song

2010-07-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

Barefoot Bandit Love

A song by the owner, who in her rare, before bed spare time writes love songs about serial thieves with her all too understanding boyfriend.

UPDATES for SUMMER!!!

2010-07-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

SUMMER IS HERE! Come spend the day on Vashon Island sometime over the next few months and stop on in! We are open seven days a week by noon. Please email or call for appointments and to guarantee I am at the shop if you need to speak with me directly.

As ALWAYS mentioned, we're accepting new artists from within 50 miles of the island. Spread the word or get on board! We have over 80 artists represented at the shop and we still have room for more.

Alterations are in full swing. Call for a quote or drop by with your items and we can take a peek at what you need done. Currently we're working on a custom denim jacket modification, a stuffed bear and an awesome coat applique! When summer comes to an end, we will change gears for costume orders for Halloween and other holiday events. Burning Man, summer festivals and parties are always a great place to wear an amazing work of art on your body so come on in and lets talk costumes for the summer and brainstorm for the fall!

We're looking for artists to show for the August First Friday Gallery Cruise at the Red Bicycle Bistro. We show regional two-dimensional artists on a monthly basis. Give me a call or send an email for more information. This month we're happy to show artists Erin Wheeler and Alexandria Sandlin.

Vashon Craft! is happening on Sunday evenings from 4-close. RSVP required. Come see new works, get ideas or get something created!

SPECIAL EVENTS:

July 10th: Adrienne Antonson @ Souvenir in Ballard from 7pm to close. Go check out her rad insects constructed of hair. Very crafty! Her works will be there until August 8th.

July 10th and 11th: Urban Craft Uprising at the Seattle Center in Seattle. Tomonster and several other artists who have items in GM will be in attendance. Go get your craft on!

July 17th and 18th: Strawberry Festival is quickly approaching! We will be open during the festival and will have our own reserved seating for the parade on a first come first serve basis for our island artists. Show up before the parade begins on Saturday and have a seat with your fellow artisans. Also, be sure to check out artists in Ober Park, which will exclusively feature artists from Vashon Island.

July 30th, 31st and August 1st: 2nd Annual Vashon Island Music Festival, produced by Rez One Productions. Ruben, owner of Rez One, has some glass art in our store and we're happy to support this island event! This year the event will be held at Paradise Ridge Park, on the westside of the island.

August 6th: First Friday Gallery Cruise for August is from 5-10pm. Check out our artists and see some fabulous works around town.

August 13th, 14th and 15th: Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs in Seattle. This event is surely one of the best I've ever seen for artist support. Details about the event, speakers and workshops at www.creativeconferencewest.com. Andrea Porter from Matthew Porter Art (who is a GM artist) has helped pull this event together and will be in attendance.

August 23rd: Shameless self-promotion, it's my birthday. I'll be 26!!!

August 28th: Sounds on the Sound at Lisabeula Park. This event is also produced by Rez One Productions with support from the Vashon Park District.

And over at Books by the Way, Jan Staehli will be teaching an awesome crafty camp! Contact BBTW for more information at staff@booksbytheway.com.

tuesday, july 27th - thursday, july 29th

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

crafty camp with jan staehli

There are still a few spots left in this mini-camp. Projects will include a memories box of natural material, picture frames, recycled items jewelry, games, and nature walks to collect items to use. Bring a lunch. Cost - $30/class or $75.00 for all three. Ages 6-14.

See you at Good Merchandise soon!

AnnaLisa

June and July 2010

2010-06-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

We've been staying really busy at the new location. I was able to take some much needed time off and am back with retail domination in mind!

Not that we need to recreate the store soon, but I went to the coast for my vacation and realized they need a Good Merchandise out there! Port Townsend seems like a really good match, but we're not expanding yet. It was nice to see other towns on the peninsula and notice the similarities and peculiarities of small towns! I value the richness that side of the Puget Sound has to offer.

Father's Day is June 20th! We're full of items for Pops on his big day, and we can always provide thoughtful ways to appreciate those you love!

Vashon Island Music Festival is coming up! The beginning of outdoor summer music starts soon here on the island. I'll be at the Lisabeula on the 26th to enjoy live music on the water!!

First Friday for July is the 2nd. Come stop by from 5-10 and check out our delicious appetizers and have a sip of wine!

July 17th-18th is the Vashon Island Strawberry Festival! Previously the peach festival, I personally think the festival should be the Vashon Blackberry Festival... Check it out! We'll be open all day and have plenty of new wares for the event.

That's all I can think of for now... p.s. bring in new items! We're looking forward to selling your art soon.
-AnnaLisa and the GM crew

REOPENING PHOTOS! (images by Colin Brynn)

2010-05-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

A girl and a photographer on a mission.

Intern needs directions. Owner needs intern.

Pre-funkin with the Barry's.

The Diggers setting up.

PaRtY!

Today.

Busy at the new space!

2010-05-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

A quick update... We are successfully open and are delighted with our new location. The blog will be updated with new images soon. Thanks for all the great wishes and support! And as always, we're looking for new art. Items are moving out faster than we can stock them!

-AnnaLisa and friends at Good Merchandise

May 2010 Update

2010-04-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard already... We are taking our shop to the next level this month and are moving to the main highway as of May 1st, 2010!!! What does this mean for:

-Artists? May 1st through 6th we will be doing artist intake. If you are interested in showing at the new location, please contact me immediately via email. I will be contacting all in-store artists shortly with transition details.

-Customers? We will be easier to find, we will be open more and we will have a lot more to offer you in the near future.

-Other businesses? We are not intending on taking over the Vashon artist market (yet). There are only so many artists we can house at one time, and we are looking forward to rotating artists on a regular basis so everyone can have a turn! With our store on the main highway, we hope other businesses recommend our store as a point of interest like we do theirs!

-Alteration clients? Things are on hold until May. If you have not been contacted regarding your alteration order, please call me directly and we can make sure you get your garment on time.

-The old location? We are currently deciding what to do with the other space. I have been planning an artist collective and if you are interested in participating or renting the space, let me know! It's all still up in the air, but it is still in the hands of Good Merchandise.

And other exciting updates:

Strawberry Festival status update: We will be on the main highway for the Strawberry Festival, and due to budget constraints from the move I have decided to cancel the booth. We will, however, be open for the weekend and will have access to the store front with plenty of traffic at our new location!

Vashon Craft! Sundays from 5-8: This adult group for crafters is an alternative to the other well respected "Stitch n' Bitch" groups on the island. Vashon Craft! will occuring every Sunday through the month of April. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending.

We provide in-store alterations, mending and fabrication of clothing and fabric projects at very affordable rates. Bring in your items for timely, guaranteed repairs. Many small repairs can be performed while you wait!

Intern: She's a keeper! Come in and meet Kaitlyn Thursday and Friday afternoons once the new store location opens.

Vashon Island Art Studio Tour May 1-2 and 8-9: Find a map at most art retailers on the island. Be sure to check out Barnworks, Vashon Woodworking, Fiddle Home Farm, Roobiblue Studios, Reimnitz Studio, Morgan Brig and of course, US!

April 2010 Good Merchandise update!

2010-03-26T13:27:00.001-07:00

Hello artisans and lovers of artistic creations,

Many thanks to everyone who has offered their advise and support! We are excited to be a part of the Vashon retail community and are looking forward to the spring and summer. I wanted to let everyone know about the new and exciting things happening at the store!

Good Merchandise now houses over 50 artists! And as always, we are looking for new artists to show their works of art. Feel free to forward my contact information. And there is always room for more.

Good Merchandise has an intern! She is a delight and very helpful. Having an intern gives us the opportunity to teach while getting a little assistance and inspiration from a younger generation. We might have two by next month.

Strawberry Festival here we come! This year at the festival I will be sponsoring a 10X20 booth for our Vashon Island artists. Contact me as soon as possible if you would like to participate in the booth and store during the event, scheduled July 17th-18th, 2010. Deadline for participation is May 1st.

Vashon-Maury Island Chamber of Commerce is in sight as well. We will soon be chamber members, opening up many opportunities for networking and support. We are also in touch with the Vashon Merchant's Association and will hopefully link up with them soon.

Vashon Craft! is back this Sunday, March 28th from 5-8. This adult group for crafters is an alternative to the other well respected "Stitch n' Bitch" groups on the island. Vashon Craft! will occuring every Sunday through the month of April. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending.

The store hours are changing for April and May. We will be open 12-5, Thursday through Sunday or by appointment. A little different, and we will expand more in the summer. That being said, if you see the sign, come on in!!!

Scheduled closures:

April 8th and 9th- we might have a lovely assistant in the store those days, but we are planning to head for the hills.

My fabled Boulder Bar will be in production and on the market soon. Boulder Bar has been a year long quest to find the absolute best ingredients for a high quality, emollient lotion bar without all the grease! Stop in and try one of my sample bars and tell me what you think.

Over and out,

AnnaLisa

We're so good, we got an intern.

2010-03-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

That's right! Good Merchandise has an intern! And she is quite wonderful. We're busy getting to know each other so I know what's she's good at! Kaitlyn is confident on the machines and even sold some of my art when she was at the register! Springtime is a fantastic season to grow and explore, let's see what develops next...

3D goodies!!

2010-03-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

Lots of new artists in already! Here's a sneak peak at some of the goods at GM...

Earrings by Bright Pirate, bracelet by Elan by Eva

bracelet by Morning Star Dichroic Glass

Button magnets and felt bowls by Starr Niego,

beer cap bulletin board by Feint

hand sculpted and signed figures by Mother Henna

With the springtime quickly approaching we have lots of colorful items in stock we would like to sell before we restock for the upcoming seasons, including hats and scarves from several local crochet and knit artists, bird houses, cards, prints, clothing, wallets, hand bags, bowls and more! Help us make more space and come buy some fabulously priced,handcrafted wares and precious presents.

February fashion update, etc.

2010-02-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

It's official. Fashion Week 2010 is occurring as we speak and I'm obsessed! The Fall Preview is actually quite good and it is incorporating a lot of DIY inspired components and features. Lacoste has a classy look that I can't get out of my head.

Here's my classy Valentine's Day look. Very PNWDIY: recycled K2 tee and jeans, black boots.

We're hitting the sewing machines, scissors and thread to come up with some new ideas for fabric manipulation and design. Creating fabric from old clothes has been accomplished... lets see what comes next!

New artist list coming soon! Check out our artist website listing too!
-AnnaLisa

February 2010

2010-02-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

We're back to it and ready for the chilly months ahead! Longer days mean longer hours and we're excited to be working on several new art ideas for 2010. Additional artists and new works from several more are in the store. Come check it out!

Hours:
Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm
or by appointment...

!!New Year!!

2010-01-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

We're excited to have experienced the holiday season here on Vashon. I thank everyone who came in to view or show their works!

For the month of January, we will have different store hours, and Vashon Craft! will resume in February. Contact me directly if you have questions.

I wish everyone out there a Happy New Year! I look forward to providing the island and it's guests with fantastic items from around the Sound.

-AnnaLisa

December Update

2009-12-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

We have established a policy for artists for store credit and trades.
We traded a card for some cheese from a farm.
We don't accept credit cards. Doing so would reduce the amount the store receives for the sales. As a new business, even a few cents on the dollar can count.
We haven't lost a sale yet.

These are just a few steps Good Merchandise is taking to reclaim the retail industry, support a cash-free economy and remove ourselves from the corporate credit card industry. Find ways to break away from the cycle of debt and still support each other. Much love this holiday season, we look forward to 2010!

-AnnaLisa

Design Council study on the Nike "Considered" line

2009-12-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

-Check out this story on Nike! Their strike on the environment to provide low labor and high profits is terrible, but perhaps we can take from Nike their business insights into the manufacturing world. This is proof we can take large steps to make a difference in waste, consumerism, the economy and unemployment.

-AnnaLisa

http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/Case-Studies/All-Case-Studies/Nike-Considered/

Alterations and new creations at Good Merchandise

2009-12-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

I am officially sewing up a storm! Appliques, new designs and alterations galore. I've worked on oil cloth, elf collars and some wicked faux suede alterations for a friend's vest and dress (see below). I used the excess to make a super simple and flattering scarf. Next up, warm weather wear and holiday stockings!

-AnnaLisa

Upcoming events in December and extended hours

2009-11-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of upcoming events at Good Merchandise and on the island. Come on by and celebrate our first holiday season! We will also be open everyday of the week through December 24th and will begin offering our Personal Shopper program. Call for more details!

Thanks! AnnaLisa and the crew at Good Merchandise

3rd: first weekly Thursday night craft in! bring your craft from 7 to 9pm

4th: Downtown Vashon Holiday Open House

5th: Saturday Vashon Island Farmer's Market, holiday craft show

5th and 6th: Island Art Studio Tour

10th: second Thursday night craft in, from 7 to 9pm

12th: Saturday Vashon Island Farmer's Market

12th and 13th: Island Art Studio Tour

17th: third and last Thursday night craft in of 2009! from 7 to 9 pm

24th: Christmas Eve!

25th: Christmas Day

A modern mercantile on Vashon Island

2009-11-12T14:43:00.000-08:00

New, independent and local. Good Merchandise is the place to go on Vashon Island for handcrafted, unique and amazing gifts and practical items! We host a little bit of everything, and we're always looking for more.

It's never too early to start shopping for the holidays, and in our opinion, it's never too late. We will be open throughout the holiday season with extended hours during December. Put your wish list together, give it to your loved one and tell them to give us a call! We are specializing in holiday shopping for those who are too busy and are interested in supporting the LOCAL ARTISAN!

November 2009 Artists

2009-11-07T17:31:00.000-08:00

The store is open and things are running great! The sewing machine's a hummin, new customers are stopping in every day and we're gearing up for the holiday season. For the month of November, here's a list of who's in the store.

Carole Sussman of Wooly Parrot

Nick Elledge, glassblower

Zena McCoy of Semilla Designs

Heather Hansen Brynn of Solstice Stones

Wendy Van de Sompele, poi maker

Karen Carston of Vashon Supply Co.

AnnaLisa LaFayette, owner and crafter

Eric Hoogan, AKA Epic ONE

John Anderson, photographer

Jeff Brownell, fine artist and woodworker

Adrian Kuhn of Madrona Island Clothing Co.

Marjan McDermott, painter and upcycler

Larissa DeRuyter, artist

Matthew Himmelspach, artist

Fonna Dubois of Designed by Fonna

Eva Anderson of Elan by Eva

Kellie Becker, fine artist

Isaiah Heyer, glassblower

Colin Brynn, photographer

Maggie Smith of Maggiesville

COMING SOON!

Gabriel Blake, Zen Girl Clothing, Otra Vez Designs, Arielle Caputo, Slide Sideways, Jenna Waldman, Shirah Coleman, London Kreautler and more!

Store update!!

2009-10-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'll be opening soon. We're all very excited and working daily to create the store front and gallery space!

Artisans, creators, crafters and producers are encouraged to contact me for more information regarding the shop and are encouraged to stop by and see what's happening!

I will be hosting a grand opening October 29th. More details to come...

Read about the store's grand opening at:

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib/business/66507157.html

Progressively yours,

AnnaLisa

Opening Press Release

2009-09-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

Good Merchandise

Store Opening October, 2009

Vashon, WA: AnnaLisa LaFayette, resident of Vashon Island, is proud to announce the opening of her first retail store, Good Merchandise, in the center of downtown Vashon. The store entrance is located behind Duet at 17630 Vashon Highway SW, next to Movie Magic. The store will host a grand opening Thursday, October 29th, 2009 featuring several island artists. Good Merchandise will carry Vashon-crafted art, sundries and crafts and will also include items from within 50 miles of the island.

The store has a unique approach to traditional retail. All of the items to be sold at Good Merchandise will be produced locally. Ms. LaFayette has concern regarding the importing of items into the US, including items shipped into Washington State from other parts of the country. Since her arrival on the island in 2007, she has focused on ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the island. "This store meets an expectation I have always wished for in a retail location but have never been able to find. Now people can shop for practical items and gifts and know they are supporting local commerce, 100 percent. It doesn't make sense anymore to buy everything from China, or California for that matter."

LaFayette, who will also produce several items for the shop, will utilize the unique space for creating items in her spare time and assisting patrons with advice in a variety of subjects including sewing, projects and sustainable living ideas. A small reading library, hot tea and an open sewing machine will all be available during store hours by appointment. Along with selling local wares, Good Merchandise will begin hosting small classes and discussion groups, a weekly book club and movie night.

For more information, please contact AnnaLisa LaFayette at 206-769-8627, vashongoodmerchandise@gmail.com or by mail at PO Box 1335, Vashon, WA 98070.