If you’re a local, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the hidden gem known as the Eucalyptus Gardens in Wilton Manors. And each time you went to visit, you saw The Wander Shop, an airstream boutique known for its merchandise as well as its decorative outdoor space that includes a floral wall. It’s still parked there daily for curious shoppers to explore, but the pop-up by Fort Lauderdale native Marisa Folz has an immobile, permanent home at the Hive, a warehouse strip in Fort Lauderdale’s MASS District.
She opened up shop last summer, making this her third iteration of the brand following two outfitted airstreams.
New Beginnings
The decision to start The Wander Shop (an ode to how the business began and Folz’s love of travel) stemmed from an unhappy start in the workforce as a corporate event planner. She quit her job and started the business, selling merchandise at pop-ups out of a tent.
“I just got a little bit of inventory and after a few months, I was like ‘OK, this is so impractical,’” she recalls. As the brand grew more successful, she bought and renovated her first airstream boutique, and eventually a second meant for taking to events.
A Look Inside
You’ll know you found The Wander Shop’s brick-and-mortar store when you come across a boutique space with a white and black leafy design on the facade. Folz had muralist Lori Pratico design her storefront to stand out from the neighboring abstract art.
The inside is bohemian chic with decorative accents that go well with the apparel, including breezy sundresses, skirts and shirts, to denim and sandals. Browse coffee mugs with clever sayings, candles, handbags and jewelry. There’s also men’s tropical button-down shirts, T-shirts and Chubbies.
Curated wares from local designers are for purchase, such as Bungalow Drift (known for macrame handbags, homewares and accessories) to Sarah Glass Ceramics, as well as surrounding South Florida designers, like Brody’s Bandanas and Vero Beach’s Idlewild Co.
Keep an eye out for The Wander Shop during events, like the FATVillage ArtWalk. Folz also hosts Macrame and Mimosas classes with Yerbamala Designs, during which participants learn how to make knotted textiles.
The Wander Shop, 915 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale; 561.855.1802; thewandershop.com
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