For those who’ve walked along the shops in New York City this time of year, ogling the holiday displays at Macy’s and their neighbors, or who’ve wandered around Union Square in San Francisco gazing at the many splendidly dressed windows, there’s a palpable thrill at seeing what new art has been fashioned by the unique artists who sculpt or arrange or collage these dazzling little spaces. We are blessed to have an equally enchanting version here in Alameda, on Park Street—Daisy’s Mercantile—which recently uncovered their windows and opened their doors so shoppers could stare agog at the efforts of the designers therein. Barbara Mooney, chief architect and proprietor, shares below her replies to this unique 5Q4. Enjoy her answers, appreciate the photos, and then pull on a warm coat and mittens and make your way to Daisy’s to see this spectacular retail art installation in person.
What was the inspiration for this year’s holiday displays at Daisy’s?
I love the idea of the longstanding tradition that the markets bring along with the anticipation of what we would look forward to all year long. I am sure a few of the pastries and hand-made Christmas candles are things I would start thinking about in July or August.
To be honest, I really want to get Park Street merchants to the point where we could do a couple of European-style markets during the holiday seasons. I have many retail friends across the country who have downtowns that do those night events. We will have our market and hot chocolate stroll soon. That feels like a really good start.
How long did it take to put it all together and get it ready for the unveiling?
From concept to our relentless pursuit to make sure the decor has a second life after January 1st and isn’t turned into garbage is about a 13-month process. I already have two concepts for next year that I am picking between but I won’t tell, it needs to be a surprise until next fall.
For how many years have you been doing your unique store displays?
Daisy’s has been around for 20 years. We have always had a theme for each Christmas but it has slowly become more of an art installation over the past 10 years. Our first official one was eight years ago—that was “Christmas Around the World.” The one that was the most funny was the one for 2020, “Life Inside a Snow Globe.” Imagine, a theme where you were stuck inside and it felt like your world was shaking upside down all the time? I picked it way before the pandemic was a thing and I giggle every time I think about how it turned out.
Who are the members of your design team?
Everyone helps, but I could never do this without the talents of our creative director Matisse Gill.
Do you have a favorite display or part of a display?
This year it’s kind of a tie between the “City Girl Boutique” display and “Nonna’s Italian Galleria.” City Girl gives a beautiful nod to my beloved New York City, and it is so timely that we are carrying the amazing candles made for the movie Wicked, which will bring one of the best musicals ever created to the big screen. I am not Italian but doing a display through the eyes of grandma’s kitchen brought back some really great memories.
Also, an honorable mention needs to go to the lamp posts outside in our parklet. There is not much better than watching families stroll by at night and stop to look at the magical lit-up scenes inside. Since we live upstairs, we leave them out until around 8:30 or 9 so people can enjoy them after we close.
Gene Kahane is the founder of the Foodbank Players, a lifelong teacher, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Alameda. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Gene-Kahane.
