Spring 2017
#shopseattle By Julie McCallum

Satsuma Kids Shop | Jennifer Porter, owner | www.satsumadesigns.com

When Satsuma Kids Shop opened in October 2015, it was perfect timing — just in time for Halloween. “Our Seattle neighbors come out in droves to trick or treat,” Jennifer Porter said. “It was the best welcome to the community and we’re grateful for all our lovely little goblins and their families.”

Porter started Satsuma Designs in 2008 as a designer and manufacturer of baby soft goods in Seattle. The locally manufactured company focused on using natural materials and creating products that make caring for kids a bit easier. “We have built a wonderful community of supporters,” Porter added.

With the shop located in the Wedgwood neighborhood of Northeast Seattle, they enjoy a wonderful community of families and singles who enjoy walking to their retail options. They are also fortunate to have a very active community council. The council plans quarterly events that promote neighborhood businesses with a prolific social media presence and a commitment to connecting to the community and city at large. “We participate in Small Business Saturday and are planning to participate in this year’s Little Boxes campaign that kicks off the holiday shopping season for retailers in Seattle and Portland,” Porter said.

The back-to-school season is one of the busiest for the shop. Being located next to one of the city’s most popular dance studios brings in shoppers looking for a full line of children’s dancewear, which Porter is happy to supply. “Our busiest shopping season starts in August for back-to-school and back-to-dance class,” Porter said. “I love this time of year which then leads into the holidays. September, like January, is a great season of firsts for kids and families. I love built-in periods of refreshment,” she added.

Porter says she is turning more and more to Instagram to find great new treasures. “I buy what I love,” she said, “sometimes it’s a hit and sometimes it’s a miss, but through it all, we have a story to tell about each product that lands on the shelves.” They carry birthday gifts for kids, ages 0 to 10, including games, toys, craft kits, books, jewelry, apparel as well as their full line of Satsuma Designs baby products. Their tutus are always a hit for birthday gifts and the dance studio.

The store’s specialty, according to Porter, is cheer. “I am so happy that every day we work to create a fun and joyful place to be and shop for the needs of busy families.”

The people are Porter’s favorite part of owning a shop. “We call our customers guests,” she said. “Every time I unlock the front door I feel like I’m opening my home to others. Just like welcoming a friend into my front hall at home, I love the feeling of welcoming guests into the shop to find out how we can connect and help them find what they need.”

Best-Sellers at Satsuma Kids Shop

Julie McCallum

Julie McCallum is publisher of Gift Shop Magazine. She is formerly the editor-in-chief of the publication, as well as editor of Museums & More, and she has more than 25 years experience in publishing.