Ok ok. So I'll peek my head out for oooone more SUPER IMPORTANT review. I am honestly ASTOUNDED that this business has only received ONE Yelp review to date. And not only that, but one review from SO long ago when so much has changed! So let's have a quick look-see so I can share with you why I'm so impressed:
FOR THE PEOPLE (THEN)
I first stumbled upon FOR THE PEOPLE while absent-mindedly perusing The Union at the Biltmore nearly two years ago. FOR THE PEOPLE was a very small boutique just behind the Royal Coffee kiosk, taking up about 500-sqft worth of space. It was packed full of seriously interesting objects - none of which I had ever seen before. Still, I remember flipping a few price tags, shrugging my shoulders, then moving on.
FOR THE PEOPLE (NOW)
Fast-forward a full year-and-a-half. FOR THE PEOPLE has now relocated to a standalone storefront just north of Camelback on Central Avenue, set right in the very heart of a budding Uptown Phoenix cultural scene. It's under new ownership and bears all the signs of a FULLY refined vision. It's new home is now closer to 3000-sqft worth of space in a mid-century building and every inch has been VERY obviously (and smartly) planned out.
The previously "interesting" inventory has been significantly updated to support a much more polished image with collections featuring a positive who's-who of the architecture, design, and art worlds. The store is also far easier to read and EXCEPTIONALLY well-managed by EXCEPTIONALLY knowledgeable staff and owners. I'm serious: it's INSPIRED. You should PLAN to learn something new every time you walk into this shop.
Product is sourced from local artisans and global makers alike, always with an eye toward providing an experience and curation of items that is at once sleek, modern, stimulating, and functional. There is nothing in this store to be overlooked. And the collections are always evolving! It really is like a new experience EVERY time you enter this store. A substantial amount of thought has gone into this concept and it is EVIDENT.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
Since discovering the "new-and-improved" FOR THE PEOPLE, I have become a persistent regular. I have gotten to know the owners, Chad and Shawn. I have purchased several lifetime objects including a new minimalist wallet from local leatherworkers, Bison Made, and a machined brass pen from local artisanal brand, ATELIEA. And I have watched the store dramatically evolve since it's relocation.
The owners have been very strategic and purposeful in their use of the new space, bringing in STUNNING new handcrafted mid-century modern furniture collections from the Los Angeles-based Thrive Home Furnishings. Most excitingly (for this guy), they have teamed up with the wonderful folks at Kream Coffee to welcome a flagship location right there inside the store! There's even a walk-up window for us early birds.
In addition to ALL this, these guys host regular events featuring local hosts and almost-always locally-sourced food bites, beer and wine tastings, and even live music (not to mention delicious coffee!)! They've even just announced a new series focused on engaging lovers of architecture and design. This will be free and open to the public and offers REAL value to the immediate community in a wholly unprecedented fashion.
Keep an eye on their website for more detail about upcoming events. And Like them on Facebook! You won't want to miss anything this team puts on - believe me.
CONCLUSION
If you haven't been by FOR THE PEOPLE yet, you have GOT to go. Seriously. Make a trip of it. Grab yourself a yummy coffee beverage from Kream Coffee, then take your time perusing the gorgeous supply of modern design products and locally-crafted goods. You are SURE to be inspired. And believe me - you'll want to keep coming back, just like I do.
Oh! And if you HAVE been by the shop before: LEAVE A REVIEW! These guys have worked really hard to create something truly exceptional - something that offers legitimate value to its community. Let's blow them up with some Yelp love, yeah!? read more