0 Shares

Choosing a chocolate truffle or a quarter pound of licorice from the candy counter at The Popinjay has been a tradition in our family for nearly 20 years. Most trips downtown include a stop to peruse the chocolates behind the glass where we delight in the new flavors of salted caramels and the gluten-free chocolates. In the end we each choose the truffle that has been our respective favorite for as long as we can remember.

Popinjay Chocolate
Popinjay carries many varieties of fine chocolates including organic and gluten-free. Photo credit: Carrie Bell

What I love most about these visits is that no matter what size the order, the smiling face behind the counter treats each one with the same care.  A child purchasing a few treats with their allowance will be weighed and poured carefully into a crisp white bag with the same amount of diligence and respect as the customer placing an order for a dozen truffles. “Special doesn’t have to be expensive,” shares Janis Dean the owner of The Popinjay located on Capital Blvd in downtown Olympia.

Janis Dean was born in Scotland and was living in Canada when she met her Scottish husband. He was offered a job in the United States and they moved to Olympia in 1976. Her first foray into retail involved purchasing a convenience store at the corner of Yelm Highway and Boulevard Road. Dean had never pumped gas in her life and suddenly she was the owner of a gas station and store.

Popinjay janis Dean
Janis loves being in downtown Olympia and serving her regulars each week. Photo credit: Carrie Bell

She quickly added a gift shop featuring arts and crafts and then added fine chocolates. A deli followed and soon they had a loyal following of customers at a spot previously known only for gas and snacks. This original Popinjay, known as Popinjay Country Arts, sold penny candy, home made soups, pottery and Scottish shortbread.

Over the years, The Popinjay has had outlets in the South Sound Mall and the Capital Mall and at one time operated four different locations at once. After years of operating multiple locations, Janis focused her energy on her favorite store in downtown Olympia. Ironically, the definition of a “popinjay” according to Merriam Webster is “a strutting, supercilious person.” Janis does have a distinct air of sophistication and style but it is tempered with the unending kindness and compassion. A visit to The Popinjay is an experience and an event in itself, which is just how Janis planned it all along.

The glass case full of decadent chocolates invites many customers off the street, but the wide variety of beautiful gifts, jewelry and clothing draws them in for a closer look. Chocolates and fine confections have been a staple of The Popinjay from the beginning. The elegant white boxes of truffles tied with a ribbon are a familiar site to many and always a welcomed gift. They are the perfect thank you for a job well done. According to Janis the chocolates, “keep the shop friendly.” Men feel comfortable walking into the store and looking around for a gift and of course, children love it.

Popinjay exterior
The Popinjay was once located across the street on Capitol Boulevard. Photo credit: Carrie Bell

If you can make it past the candy counter, the shop is filled with beautiful items from fine jewelry to soaps and greeting cards. Janis has carried some of the same fine brands of clothing for over 20 years. Each line is chosen with intention and everything is high quality. The unique brands she sources are not ones you’ll find at the mall and their diversity ensures you’ll be the only one in your outfit at a special event.

There are kitchen items, gorgeous scarfs and fine soaps perfect for gifting. “For the gift you will be proud to give, yet rather keep, visit us,” says Janis proudly. The back wall of the store displays a large selection of baby clothing, baby toys and the velvety soft rabbits I have gifted to every new mother I have known since they were introduced to me by a cherished friend over a decade ago.

Janis loves owning a shop in downtown Olympia. A quick look through the guest book on the counter shows visitors from the cities far and wide, including places as exotic as Lebanon. The men visiting from Lebanon returned several days in a row to purchase earrings for family back home and extended an invitation to Janis to stay when her travels take her to the Middle East. “Out of town visitors really appreciate downtown Olympia,” shares Janis. “They love all the shops and the walkability of the area.”

The Popinjay welcomes many regulars as well. At least three to four customers a week will mention how they have been shopping in the store since it’s original location on Yelm Highway. In fact, customers are now bringing their children and grandchildren into the shop and introducing them to the staff as they choose their bags of confections and special gifts.

Popinjay Scamp
Scamp is usually seen following owner Janis around the store. Photo credit: Carrie Bell

Despite all the success of The Popinjay and her longevity in the retail world, Janis is always learning and evolving. She is currently taking a business “TuneUp” class offered through the Thurston County Economic Development Council. “It’s good to be introspective about yourself and your business,” explains Janis. “We have so many loyal customers but we have to keep evolving and improving.”

Janis has been helping to improve the downtown core for all the local businesses through chairing the marketing committee of the Parking and Business Improvement Board. She has also served on the board of the Olympia Downtown Association for 15 years. The Popinjay donates chocolate annually for the Taste of Chocolate event benefiting the Dispute Resolution Center and provides the chocolates for Harlequin Productions’ Ladies Night.

Next time you are in downtown Olympia be sure to stop in and visit The Popinjay for a treat, a gift or simply to give a quick pat to “Scamp” the resident dog. You’ll leave with a smile on your face.

The Popinjay
414 Capitol Way South
Olympia, W 98501
360-352-9481

Sponsored

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares