JoeysCoat: The Grand Marketplace...

Grand Marketplace in Portland, Oregon is a new shopping venue for those whose lifestyle includes a mix of antique, industrial and architectural expression. That's the short version. The description on the website reads:

Grand Marketplace is a curated group of talented collectors that will take vintage shopping to the next level. A breathtaking venue that will inspire the daring, mild, and traditional desires of a discerning culture. Ever evolving inventory and tasteful selections of materials and textures, Grand Marketplace is an inspiration board for all who walk its avenues.

I first met Andrea Jones, owner of Seek the Unique, over a year ago. I was in Portland with my friend Tami in search of JoeysCoat treasure. Tami was there to sell vintage furnishings found in Seattle to her Portland clients. We left Vashon early on a Saturday to allow for stopping at estate sales and thrift stores along the drive down. Once in Portland, we made our way to the industrial section of the city to hit a couple flea markets we had heard about. Then a stop at Seek the Unique for Tami to make her delivery. Andrea was there with her two golden-doodles Amber and Cotton. I wandered the store while Tami and Andrea met. Once they had completed their business, Tami introduced me to Andrea. We talked about her dogs, my dogs, and JoeysCoat. Three weeks ago I received a call from Andrea Jones. She told me Seek the Unique had moved to a new 18,000 square foot location called Grand Marketplace and asked if JoeysCoat would be part of the grand opening celebration. I was pleasantly surprised. Two weeks later, Andrea drove up to Vashon Island to see the JoeysCoat collection. We poured over the coats for a couple of hours. I described the history of each design element in the coats - she shared her love of textiles and vast knowledge of antique and vintage fabrics. Andrea selected twenty-six coats to take with her to Portland. I saved the date for the grand opening celebration.