Local Business Spotlight: Polka Dot Panda • Rhode Island Children's Photographer
Have you ever found a local business that you absolutely LOVE and you want to tell all your friends about it?
As a Rhode Island children's photographer, I give parents suggestions on what their children should wear for a shoot, or even just questions about local shops and businesses that I can recommend in general. Today I want to tell all of you about a local business I'm loving (and that I' love telling parents about): Polka Dot Panda, a children's boutique located at 18A Pier Marketplace in Narragansett (with a second location that doubles as a party/event/workshop location in the Galilee section of Narragansett, right next to George's). I first discovered Polka Dot Panda this past summer, and fell in love at that first visit. Polka Dot Panda is full of unique, stylish, and functional children's clothing that is unlike what you'll find in any chain store. Whether you're dressing your child for a photo shoot, school, or a party, you will find plenty of options here.
I used dresses from Polka Dot Panda in two recent shoots, and they were a hit. I recently was able to chat with boutique owner Denise Silva-Navoian to get a little more insight into this local business. Read on to see what she had to say (and to take a peek into just a little of what the boutique has to offer!)
Denise opened Polka Dot Panda almost eight years ago. At the time, her two older children were toddlers. Denise shopped at boutiques for her two young children, so she knew what brands and styles she loved and wanted to carry in her own store.
Denise stocks the boutique with various styles from the core brands that she loves, and will add new brands into the mix from time to time. She carefully picks the items she'll carry for a specific season a full six months in advance (so that means everything she carries for winter was picked out in summer!)
While Polka Dot Panda does have lots of pretty dresses and shoes for the young ladies, and its customer base leans a bit more towards the female side, there are still plenty of offerings for the little dudes (including some pretty awesome hats).
Also, let's not overlook the fabulous variety of shoes that are at Polka Dot Panda. Do they come in my size, too?!
Denise lets me know that grandparents often come into the boutique to do some shopping for their grandkids. Do the grandparents in your family need some holiday ideas for your kids? I'm thinking a trip to Polka Dot Panda (or a gift certificate) would fit the bill!
One of the best things about Polka Dot Panda is the individualized attention you are given when you shop there. This is not something that you'll experience in large stores!
Next time you're in Narragansett, make sure to stop at Pier Marketplace and pay a visit to Polka Dot Panda. Trust me, you'll love it!