‘Tis the season for festive frenzy and gift-hunting mayhem. If you’re anything like us, the thought of holiday shopping can be as tricky as untangling those twinkling lights. Fear not, fellow elves, Warehouse Creative, nestled in the heart of the Old Sacramento Waterfront, is a treasure trove of handcrafted wonders that will have you waving goodbye to gift-giving stress and allow the holiday merriment to begin. We recently visited Warehouse Creative and sat down with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, errr, we mean the owners, Jon and Chelsea Evans, who shared the history, the concept, and why you should be shopping in their store this holiday season.
As we entered the festive wonderland that is Warehouse Creative, it was as if Santa himself had sprinkled the place with an extra dose of holiday cheer. The displays of fun, silly, and beautiful items turned our visit into an impromptu holiday fiesta. We found ourselves reading, touching, and, yes, even giving a good sniff, to all the delightful things on display. What really gives Warehouse Creative sparkle is the array of handcrafted treasures, each one a masterpiece from artisans, many of who are local to Sacramento.
Warehouse Creative began as an idea in the fall of 2020 and came as a silver lining during the challenging times of the pandemic. Jon and Chelsea, who previously owned an event photography and videography company, had a space they could no longer utilize. With a desire to support local artists and makers, especially during a time when traditional avenues for showcasing their work were limited, the Evanses converted their studio into a pop-up space for artists to sell their products. In just one month, they had gathered over 20 vendors and officially opened their doors in February of 2021 with close to 30 vendors. This initiative gained traction, and Warehouse Creative quickly outgrew its original space and relocated to its current location at 116 K Street where it continues to be a thriving hub for supporting the local creative community.
The heart of Warehouse Creative lies in its commitment to supporting local makers and small businesses. Over the past three years, the store has provided a platform for more than 130 Sacramento artists, showcasing their talents and goods. Since relocating to K Street, the scope expanded to include over 250 small businesses from around the country. As they walk around the store, shoppers are able to learn about the artists with information displayed next to their products. Warehouse Creative is more than a store; it’s a celebration of the incredible talent and beauty that is handcrafted right in the community’s backyard. It’s a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the profound impact that local support can have on the thriving arts scene in Sacramento.
In tandem with the Old Sacramento Waterfront’s Theatre of Lights show, the store extends its hours on weekends, offering promotions on products, including custom gift boxes. If you are looking for a gift for that special someone, want to get your shopping done in one stop, or want to support local artisans and small businesses, Warehouse Creative is your place for a festive and magical outing that is sure to enhance your holiday shopping experience.