Dania shop specializes in treasures from the sea
The official name of this store is Alex’s Flamingo Groves and Gift Shop, but some regulars simply refer to it as the shell shop.
Indeed, it is a shop with lots of shells. Bins and bins highlight the twisty, speckled, smooth, prickly and rippled assortment of treasures from the sea. Teeny apple blossom shells are pink and white. Lion’s paws are fan shaped. A Japanese slit looks like a generous dollop of whipped cream. More than 700 varieties are in stock, and most come from the Philippines, according to the staff of this family-owned business in Dania Beach. The store, which was established in 1963, relocated in 1982 to its present site a few blocks south on U.S. 1 to make room for expansion of the airport.
Besides raw, natural shells, there is an array of embellished ones. They are painted, decorated with carvings of lighthouses and palm trees, or polished to a glistening sheen.
”People come in and are very creative. They make different things out of them,” says Joyce Medina, executive vice president and granddaughter of the original owners.
One customer purchased a few showy shells to camouflage a chip in a serving platter. Others buy conchs to hold rolled-up guest towels or just to enjoy au natural on bookshelves, she said.
The store also offers arty items that feature seashells. Hanging are wind chimes made with colorful capiz shell circles. Various sculptural pieces, including octopuses and airplanes, are formed by assembling different varieties of shells. Handbags ($8.95 to $64.95) feature shells and coconut.
Also displayed are home decor and souvenir items, such as shot glasses, swizzle sticks and snow globes. Salt and pepper shakers include flamingo and surfboard designs.
