THE SHOP
As with many stores in the Bellingham area, Scandi Butik and Gifts offers many products created by independent and small businesses. A warmly lit corner littered with assorted beachthemed gifts eases the bone-deep Bellingham chill outside, while just a few steps away is a shrine dedicated to a host of Bellingham creative types, including writer Stefanie Fields and artist Lori Hill. The island of independent artists is flanked by a shelf of “Root Candles,” ranging from votives to colorful dinner candles, all made in the U.S. Around the corner is another selection of clothing, as well as a children’s section.
THE ATMOSPHERE
As you might expect, Scandi is proudly Scandinavian. While the store carries a great number of other products hailing from or paying homage to other parts of the world, each wall of the store bears some sort of reminder of its Scandinavian heritage. From the patriotic flags of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway to the romantic “Happiness is being married to a Dane” magnet and the fantastical retellings of Scandinavian mythology, Scandi is a little piece of Nordic culture right in Fairhaven.
KEY PEOPLE
Terri Eriksson is the queen of Scandi, managing the store mostly by herself. Her husband, a Swede who moved to the U.S. in 2005, handles the maintenance, and a part-time employee keeps an eye on the shop when Eriksson isn’t around. While they don’t have a direct influence on the store, both Didier and Hill maintain a presence in their shop with their artwork on display. Their work can be found interspersed with various other wall-mounted decorations and declarations of Scandinavian pride.
OWNER’S FAVORITE
Scandi’s clothing lines are unique. Eriksson hopes to set herself apart from other Fairhaven stores by keeping her items accessible to all wage brackets. While the store does carry some higher-end clothing and designers, the Simply Noelle line won’t break the bank of the average shopper. Eriksson enjoys that particular aspect about her store. Eriksson has also collected a number of fond memories since the opening of the store in June 2016. Getting to know the people and the stories of those who come into the store, whether they’re from Bellingham or another country, is always a major highlight for her.
