One-Stop Shopping

Sandalwood Shoppes—home to 42 vendors—provides Leland shoppers with rare opportunity.

STORY BY JOE JANCSURAK   PHOTOS BY JOE JANCSURAK

Experienced shoppers know this: finding a must-have tchotchke, decorative item, or that special something for that special someone requires time, patience and often trips to multiple stores. But here in Leland across from the New Day Café on Olde Waterford Way, there is a viable alternative: Sandalwood Shoppes, Leland’s first and only marketplace retailer.

“As a marketplace retailer, we offer an array of merchandise from different retail business owners—42 to be exact,” said Joan Pacifico, owner. “We like to say that we offer the best and most unique shopping experience south of the bridge.”

Indeed. Inside The 4000-sq.-ft. shop one will find unusual gifts, small and large art, high-end home décor items, unique clothing and sleepwear, and gourmet take-home foods. The vendors, all of whom pay a rental fee and commission on sales are carefully chosen by Pacifico, who first opened Sandalwood Shoppes in Harrington Square in January 2019 before relocating to the Waterford location in April 2021, recognizing that the rapidly growing Leland community was, and is, in need of retail options.

Since relocating her business here, the Hampstead resident says she’s benefited from the support shown by the local business community. “We really support each other, recognizing that working together is how be build a strong community.”

For her part, Pacifico has built a strong business. So much so that she now has a vendor waitlist. “As spaces open, I consider candidates and whether what they’re selling will be a good fit within our store.” After more than 35 years as a retail professional for entities such as Circuit City, Macy’s, and Target, the Illinois native and New Jersey transplant says she enjoys all that comes with the “juggling act” of being a store owner. “I am always thinking of what we can do to get better,” said Pacifico, who looks forward to adding a second Sandalwood location in 2024.

What Pacifico enjoys most is customer engagement. “That’s what I love most about my workday. Our customers help guide our merchandising efforts. For example, I’ve learned from listening to my customers that they appreciate large art, non-sheer leggings and pickleball-themed items, to name just a few. This interaction with customers is what I love most about retail.”  

The same holds true for the Sandalwood staff of four, Pacifico said. “Like me, our staff loves interacting with our customers. Our customers love that about our staff, so much so that many stop in on a regular basis just say hi and see how we’re doing.” 

So, this holiday season, check out the unique wares by 42 vendors all under one roof, and say hi to Pacifico and her staff. You will find them at 485 Olde Waterford Way, Monday through Wednesday from 10 to 5, Thursdays 10am – 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays 10-5  and on Sundays, from 11 to 4. 

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