Balboa Island – or as locals call it, the heart of Newport Beach – offers its visitors a variety of pleasurable experiences. For over a century, the island has stood as the perfect place for a beach day, whether that day entails collecting seashells, observing boats sail through the harbor, or simply relaxing under an umbrella. However, with new advancements to Balboa and close attention to modern media, the oasis continues to charm its people in areas beyond the shore.
It does not take an expert-local to acknowledge the economic power hub that is Balboa Island retail. For instance, unique and character-filled boutiques occupy over half of the island’s commercial buildings on Marine avenue.
One building in particular that has caught shoppers’ attention is a character filled thrift shop. A small but mighty store, Sundance Thrift Shop is in no way similar to its neighboring counterparts. Rather than a luxurious, signature sundress, its shelves typically consist of preloved kitchen towels or a charming but simplistic bucket hat. It takes a true shopper to dismiss these items’ exterior and instead value what lies underneath– warmth, familiarity, and most importantly, true experiences.
Although slouching so demurely on its display, the red hat has witnessed a boy at sea catch his first bass, or a series of seagulls demolish an unattended sandwich in the pure July sun. But in an affluent neighborhood like Balboa, customers of Marine Avenue are quick to query a modest business like Sundance even with its irreplaceable merchandise.
A coastal, elegant lady who often indulges in untouched jewelry at the boutique across the street may raise a brow at a secondhand institution like 331 Marine Avenue. Under those Christian Dior sunglasses, she lacks the eyes for the true meaning of stock excellence. So, the store’s items like the red bucket hat sit on its shelf for another day– awaiting an again genuine owner.
If we, as a community, redefined what thrift items can offer, our neighborhood would be brought together like never before. What better way to recognize one another than through appreciating and repurposing fellow passed-down belongings? The next time a moment is declared retail therapy, continue that walk a few more doors down to the new thrift shop.
Sincerely, the previous owner of the red bucket hat.
