Seek. Eat. Retreat. Repeat.



Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

Rasha Al Zahid and Arwa Ghalib, founders of The Store opened the doors to their cherished venture on Jeddah’s Tahliya Street in 2012. Exclusive to women, the venue is a trademark for conceptualized brilliance by Saudi women entrepreneurs.



The Store is a mix of a cafe, gallery, shop and hybrid of contemporary versus classic structural design. From Kaftans to books, magnets to classic phone models, The Store has something for everybody. Walking in to the warm wood based interiors; The Store welcomes you to a home away from what your residential complex defines.



But what makes The Store believe they represent a homely feel? A three-story building, with a composed earthly feel on the ground floor with benches pressed out against wooden spaces displaying books of art, music, health and more (probably better than any bookstore in Saudi), layered beside contemporary international fashion brands.



If you are hungry, take the elevator to a stimulating cafe at the top that serves the best Oatmeal pancakes, a selection of your American Sloppy Joe or tacos. Their loveable chef from Philippines makes the type of coconut cakes that are deemed to be a favorite and promise to bring you back for more.



Their menu offers comfort food in an American diner set up with board games and chalked items on a blackboard. However it also looks out for a healthy selection of drinks, breakfast, sandwiches and salads. If you are the type who looks for places that can and should serve breakfast all day, you are in luck.



The decor is a mix of comfortable couches with color splashed around in corners and fabrics. A fresh selection of beautiful flowers sits perfectly at every table. Fortunately, the set up is minimalistic and does not seat too many people, leaving fewer chances for a crowd to generate.  Their terrace setting now offers sheesha against the pastel colored setting in a garden inspired, outdoor feel.



If you have heard the hype about The Store, know that this one is worth it all. Here’s why. The second floor, the body of the entire structure, is built upon the need to nurture talent from all corners of the Kingdom.



The homegrown selection is set up by Tamara Abukhadra, who is passionate about cultivating the local fashion scene. Her business savvy nature helps implement her love for the creative space The Store offers.



Tamara told Saudi Gazette that she is focused on showcasing fashion designers who are looking to establish themselves and helps the brands develop and discover their USP.



In a bid to encourage local brands that are either startups or renowned international names, Tamara helps accommodate the impressive selection on the second floor. Recently, artists and socialites visited the homegrown selection creating a buzz on social media forums along with appearances by Saudi artists like Abdullah Qandeel last month.



Brands available at The Store are Orange Blossom, Nirvana, Moja Majka, Yataghan Jewelry, Qumar 14, Mano & Mano, Mansoojat, Lasuna, Hania Rayess, iCandy, Lalousan, Hanky Panky, Green Bar, Aydeena, Amina Atelier among others.



Away from the bourgeois beliefs that our scene develops through various phases this season, it is gratifying to see a name that can see beyond publicity and holds a vision that lasts longer than tomorrow.



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