Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Chronicle photo by Rick Balutewicz Monarch opened late last year and has something for those with a quirky taste.

If looking for a quirky and interesting place to shop, Monarch might be that place.

Monarch, located in Schererville, may be a distance from most PUC students' usual shopping locations but the charming, vintage/retro feel might give enough reason to include it in the next shopping adventure.

This is not only a one of a kind shop, but also a full-service florist. Entrepreneur and owner Kristy Lopez's opened Monarch December 2007.  Her experience in the floral industry goes back 10 years when she attended floral school.

"One day when I was in floral school, I just came up with the name of the place, and it's taken about 10 years to get to where I am now, " she said.

The feel of Monarch seems as abstract as the insect it's named after. Colorful garden-like themes are at every turn.  This store isn't just for avid gardeners who talk about tea and crumpets. This store is for anyone who might label themselves as lovers of anything eclectic.

Upon entering the store, pretty jewelry flood the eyes and the sound of cool classic rock fills the ears. Objects are set up in a haphazard way, from small corners filled with flower garden items, to randomly placed pieces such as the "Crazy Cat Lady" action figure (with six cats to collect).

While prices might seem rather steep for some, it would be safe to say if something is purchased, it will be original.  If the incentive of originality isn't enough to wet the shopping whistle, then Free Flower Friday might do the trick. Every Friday free flowers are given to customers.

"It's the end of the week, and I would hate to get rid of them, so we just give them out. It's a nice way to start the weekend," Lopez said. 

 A suggestion would be to save the money spent at Target, and buy a unique and one-of-a-kind item at a very unique and one-of-a-kind store; and if lucky, you might even get a flower out of the deal.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools