PAUL SHEPHERD
COMPASS ROSE
Compass Rose is a gift store stuffed chock full of fun and colorful kitchen essentials, safe and eco-friendly baby gear, jewelry, cards, locally designed items and other tempting goodies. With its wide selection of gifts, friendly and cheerful staff, beautiful gift boxes, gift wrapping and sometimes a truffle or other small treat to boot, it is no wonder that Compass Rose is one of the region’s most popular gift stores.
Years Downtown:
1998-present
Little Known Fact:
Compass Rose donates 10% of its income to non-profit charitable organizations.
Our Story:
Like many start up businesses, the origins of Compass Rose actually trace back to a small garage (Paul’s dad’s garage) where Paul (much to the alarm of his dad!) used to ship home and stockpile crates of merchandise he purchased while traveling overseas. A decade later, and with ten years retail experience under his belt, Paul moved from the Capital Mall to downtown Olympia, opening Compass Rose in 1998. Realizing that his own employees were far more talented than he was (Okay, we can be honest here!) Paul soon decided to turn over day to day buying and managing decisions to his young, talented and enthusiastic staff. The results can be seen today: an ever trendy, changing and (dare we say cool?) store based on a principal of doing what is right for customers, employees and the community. Compass Rose has changed so much over the past ten years that people often ask how long we have been in business, thinking we are an entirely new store!
What I Love About Olympia:
Summertime, the Farmers Market, the downtown community and the fact that everyone who works here can (and usually does) bike, walk or bus to work!
