There’s a new store in town — The Den — which embodies that cool factor of the ’70s-era den in your home: A cozy spot to gather in or to chill solo, to read, listen to music or maybe watch TV by a fireplace. Mostly, owner Denise Lopez said, it’s a space in which to be curious.
If you’ve frequented the local small businesses, HOUSE 1002 and The Yard, chances are you will soon discover The Den. Lopez, who formerly worked at HOUSE 1002, is the owner of the eclectic new shop. While The Den is independent of HOUSE 1002 and The Yard, Lopez said without a doubt, they are family.
“Working at HOUSE was a great experience with me coming from Chicago and not really knowing anyone,” Lopez said. “It was a great place to land.”
Lopez said she really got to know San Pedro and lots of characters and people coming through HOUSE 1002 and loved it. When this opportunity came up, Kathie Goldberg, the owner of HOUSE 1002 told her she had to go for it. Lopez was uncertain, briefly, but her then-boss assured her she’d figure it out.
“She pushed me from behind the whole time along with my husband and of course, the kids were like of course, it makes sense,” Lopez said. “Although it’s totally separate, I feel part of a triangle. It’s the HOUSE, The Yard and The Den. Kathie and Larry are like one of our many adopted families since we moved here from Chicago.
“It’s that space that’s intimate and cozy,” Lopez said. “I wanted it to feel like a den, that place to play or just chillax and it is part of a house.”
The opportunity happened one day while she was working at HOUSE 1002. Lopez said Vicki, (and Dominick Abbatiello) were the previous owners of the space, then called Point Gallery. Vicki was ready to give up the space and move on to different things.
“We were just chatting, how we do at HOUSE and they asked if we knew anyone who would be interested in the space,” Lopez said. “Kathie said Denise, and Dom said of course.”
“Lopez said they had specific ideas of how they wanted a new steward to take on this space — which sits next to The Corner Store, just blocks up from Paseo Del Mar — so as not to be out of sync with the area. The couple has been very helpful and supportive to Lopez throughout the whole process.”
“It’s really about the community but I think that it could also be a draw for people who are visiting the oceanfront,” Lopez said. “As the shop evolves people can pick up a blanket or a book, things to utilize at the oceanfront area. Stop at The Corner Store for a soda and then get a cool blanket at The Den and pop over and have a little lunch at the ocean.”
Eclectic Merchandise
“I think my aesthetic might appeal to a diverse group of people,” Lopez said.
The Den carries many books — primarily on art and architecture, other items include records, games, textiles, accessories, soaps, candles and paper letter writing products. There will be more to come in that area. It’s like walking into a space that houses old and new at once. It’s intimate yet open and bright and home-like. Books are prominent, ranging from $5, up to first editions that go up to $150. The Den will also feature art that will rotate in and out.
Design, Fashion, Art
Lopez attended The School of Art Institute of Chicago for fine arts and interior design. She always had to supplement art and design work with retail, at stores like Chicago’s Marshall Fields. She’s also been a personal shopper, worked in set design and has been a concierge. She worked for Kevin Grace Design in Chicago who is also now in downtown Los Angeles. There, she worked in set design and designed holiday segments on daytime talk shows. She is also a ceramicist and sells some of her work at The Den.
Lopez wants The Den to be a reflection of her from her work in hospitality and vintage clothing, and she hopes people are receptive to it. “I want to provide a space that you can feel inspired by but also comfortable in, that has new and old because I like a little bit of everything,” she said. “I don’t want it to be one thing. I want it to evolve. To feel constant but also have a change, a space you can be curious into.”
Details: 1124 W. 37th St., San Pedro; 312-286-6262