Pangaea Outpost has been offering a kaleidoscope of novel gifts and art at a wide variety of prices in a huge attractive retail space in Pacific Beach since 2004.
The gift emporium at 909 Garnet Ave. is celebrating its 20th anniversary this November. The store, just a short distance from Crystal Pier and the beach, is open seven days a week showcasing over 70 different local merchants and artists.
Pangaea, meaning “all lands,” is named for the prehistoric supercontinent. And you will find products from all lands, especially PB and the coastal beachfront, on the premises.
“Besides the rent, they (vendors) just pay a commission off of every item they sell,” noted Jillian Gonzales Schoettler, a manager for 19 years at Pangaea and one of approximately 70 vendors occupying two retail spaces there.
Catering to both genders and all ages and tastes, Gonzales Schoettler pointed out, “We have gifts for everyone here, we do. It’s a good place for small local businesses and local makers.
“This is an artist she rents this area, and (another) guy who does woodworking and makes the items he sells,” said Gonzales Schoettler while conducting a tour of the 11,000-foot former warehouse space. “This is (another) local artist who used to come into the store when she was a little girl and now she’s selling in the store.”
Guests are immersed in a veritable shopping paradise filled with, among other things, jewelry, apparel, kids toys, crystals, decor, local art, and local artisan creations. There is also a huge selection of exotic imports from around the world.
The Beach Boys and other nostalgic music plays in the background while Gonzales Schoettler continues her Pangaea tour. She stands in front of another unique space featuring clocks fashioned from black vinyl record discs. Other spaces showcase an assortment of hot sauces, infant and puppy clothes, Tibetan singing bowls, candles and incense, disco balls, socks, shirts, shoes, jewelry, and faux donut “bath bombs.” The list goes on and on.
Yet another retail space employs a popular mermaid theme. There is also a unique space with elaborate Native American dream catchers. Vintage, new, used items – you will find them all in Pangaea.
The well-organized spaces in Pangaea are attractively curated. There are couches set up in the middle of the store for lounging in an inviting atmosphere.
“The woman in charge of our vendors, she tries to keep a really good (tenant) mix in the store, a bit of everything,” said Gonzales Schoettler, while noting management is careful about ensuring vendors don’t end up competing with one another. “Everybody kind of has their own thing and they stay in their lane,” she said. “We’re all just thriving in our little way.”
Asked how people react the first time they wander into Pangaea, Gonzales Shoettler replied: “They get excited. They find treasures and gifts for the people they love. They end up buying things for themselves because there are so many great things in this store.”
PANGAEA OUTPOST
Where: 909 Garnet Ave.
Hours: Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Info: pangaeaoutpost.com, 858-581-0555.
