There are three major changes coming to the retail space along Orange Avenue. First, Coronado will say goodbye to the brick and mortar space of Shorelines Gallery. Shorelines Gallery sold jewelry, art, and sculptures from over 100 different American artists. It was always a treat to wander in the store – the gallery constantly had new works of jewelry and art displayed throughout the shop.
Shorelines Gallery’s last day on Orange Avenue will be this Thursday, April 30, but happily for fans they will be moving online with a select few artists. The Shorelines Gallery online store website will soon be given an update to make it more user friendly. Until the actual closing later this week, shoppers can find tremendous discounts in the store; up to 50% on some items.
Sara McClellen, owner of Shorelines Gallery, said it’s been hard to close the store because of the warm support the business has had from Coronado locals, but it is the best decision for their family. Sara commented that she will miss the close relationship she had with the various artists who contributed to the store: “[It’s] hard to close because we’ve been close [friends] with many of the artists.” She will also miss working with her mother who has been her business partner for the past five years. Caring deeply about the well-being of her employees, Sara is happy to report that they have all found jobs on the island. Finally, Sara wanted to remind her local customers that Shorelines Gallery can also be found on Facebook.
While Shorelines Gallery will be missed, Sara will still be here as the General Manager of the new shop that will be taking the Gallery’s retail space: The Front Porch.
The Front Porch already exists in Mission Hills and the new locations in Coronado and in the Cedros area of North County will be the second and third. As I like to do, I did a little reconnaissance, and popped into the Mission Hills store to get a peak at what will soon be arriving on Orange Avenue. It’s pretty wonderful. The staff was delightful and when they heard that I was from Coronado, they gave me the Coronado 10% locals discount. The name says it all: It has the merchandise and the feel of a welcoming, beautiful home. The Front Porch is sure to be a hit here, not only for locals but for visitors as well. As the promotion material explains: ” [The] Front Porch has specialty condiments made locally from family recipes, fine teas from China, home-made pasta sauces from Italy’s Abruzzi region, flavored, barrel-aged vinegars and first-press, unfiltered, California-grown olive oil in elegant, repurposed wine bottles.” For hungry tourists and locals alike, the shop will “also offer a daily assortment of prepared foods, sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts – created by John Medall, The Patio on Goldfinch’s award-winning chef.” There will also be pre-packaged fresh pressed organic juices Additionally, “[t]he Front Porch … showcases products for the home and kitchen ranging from candles, utensils, fine linens, cookbooks, and copper cookware, to custom-made wine-barrel furniture and apothecary goods.” The Front Porch owner, Melissa Scott Clark, expressed her enthusiasm for the new Coronado location: “I am so excited because Gina [Champion-Cain, Melissa’s mentor on The Front Porch stores] and I believe The Front Porch is a perfect and long overdue contribution to Orange Avenue. We cannot wait to open our doors and begin our summer in this crown jewel!” Locals may know Gina as the developer who brought House of Blues to San Diego and as the owner of two creative restaurants in San Diego, The Patio on Goldfinch in Mission Hills and The Patio on Lamont in Pacific Beach. During my exploration of The Front Porch in Mission Hills, my sister and I had lunch at The Patio to gain a greater understanding of the vibe headed to Coronado. Our food was delicious, there were many fresh options, and the restaurant had an indoor-outdoor rustic atmosphere, similar to what we experienced the Mission Hills’ Front Porch.
Melissa Scott Clark might also be familiar to those who follow the celebrity world. An actress, model, and designer, Melissa appeared in two seasons of the television series Bay Watch. She has also acted in various movies such as Lucky Town and Rush Hour 2. Melissa is so happy to be in Coronado: “There is nothing more picturesque and special in all of San Diego than traveling over the iconic bridge and arriving in the city of Coronado. It is a must-see place for when I take out my out of town guests and visiting celeb buddies!” You can find out more about Melissa at www.melissascottclark.com.
A second new business is coming to Coronado on the 800 block of Orange. Replacing the former Ju Jitsu studio will be a new nail salon. Check back soon for details on this new venture.
It’s going be a fun summer with new business in town.
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Related: Japanese Steakhouse Opens Next Month: Promises Good Food and Good Times for the Whole Family
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Ann Marie Bryan
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
