POULSBO — Spring may be in a constant struggle to emerge here in the Pacific Northwest but there is a touch of summer in downtown Poulsbo. Having the feel of a homey beach bungalow, Caron’s has officially opened on Front Street and now provides the finest in coastal living to everyone under the obscured sun.
The small business started last month in the site formerly occupied by YES/USA but even patrons of that longtime business (which has since moved next door) barely recognize the former location. This is exactly what owners Pat and Caron Guilfoyle had in mind as they set out to create something new and interesting in the downtown business scene.
“Caron and I have done every bit of this ourselves,” Pat said, assessing the transformed store.
Coastal furniture, photos, candles, cushions, rugs and just about every type of accent for the boat and home is showcased under brilliant blue walls that could easily brighten up even the cloudiest of days.
The couple seems to exude this cheerful attitude as well.
“We needed to find a way to use our creative talents,” Caron explained, noting that the two decided to get away from their jobs in the Emerald City following the big earthquake in Seattle last year. “Poulsbo seemed to be the best place. Even on rainy nights there were people on the streets.”
The two were a bit timid about the move initially, but both agreed that sales are doing better than expected since the May 14 opening.
“We’ll try to keep it that way. We want to strongly appeal not just to boaters and tourists but to Poulsbo residents,” Pat said, adding that starting a new business was scary and exciting. “Nothing in life is worthwhile unless it involves risk — and this is a risk.”
Even so, the couple seems right at home in Little Norway and may have just found their niche.
“We wanted the place to have the feel of a beach house,” Caron added, noting that over time she definitely saw additional stores in the business’ future. “In addition to the home, we’re carrying things for boaters as well. Not exactly ropes and buoys but plenty of accents.”
Caron’s is also the only store in the city to carry prints of Pat’s award-winning maritime and scenic photography. While he has been shooting off and on for the last three decades, he officially went professional this year.
When asked if it was difficult to part with his works, Pat responded, “It was at first but now I’m getting used to it.”
Prints of his bright orange starfish photo — which is used in the company’s logo — are selling like hot cakes, not surprising seeing that the shot placed in a contest in Coastal Living Magazine.
“It’s always exciting to meet someone who sees the same beauty in things that you do,” Caron added.
The Guilfoyles are quickly discovering that a lot of folks out there are doing just this — something that is not only good for business but for creating the long-lasting relationships downtown Poulsbo is famous for.
“Our neighbors are really nice,” Caron said, as Pat departed with a smile and a wave to continue an ongoing sidewalk cleaning project with Gary Hoskins of YES/USA.
The work seemed to be a catalyst of what the business district is all about, good wares and great neighbors.