Coyote Impressions to Re-Open Today

Patrons of Coyote Impressions, worried that the beloved store was disappearing after it abruptly packed up last December, can rest easy.

On Saturday, the store, originally located at 675 Massachusetts Avenue, will celebrate a grand opening at their new location - 721 Massachusetts Avenue. The location is not the only change, though.

"The layout of the new store is different," says Carol Pollack, who founded the company along with her life – and business - partner Robin.  In fact, the Pollacks have 400 more square feet in the new store and a host of ideas beyond their gift items, which include Judaica, jewelry, pottery, sports items and more. 

To many in town, they are simply "the earring capital of Arlington." But they are also known for their relationship with the community, one in which they are actively involved. 

"We are going back to basics with the new store," says Pollack.  The new location will offer more kids items and may also offer classes to children sometime in the near future.  "Maybe music classes or craft classes," explains Pollack. Either way, the idea is to stay vibrant and connected.

For customers who have loved them for years, the re-opening is something to celebrate.

"They have a wonderful collection of gifts--all kinds from all over.  my favorite time of year is December. They have a great selection of Chanukah gifts, menorahs, candles and cards," says Linda Guttmann, a Linda Guttman, a loyal customer and former Arlington business owner and resident.

"It's so nice to be able to shop there," Guttman says

The store has been part of Arlington for 15 years, opened after the Pollacks returned from traveling in the American Southwest. The two had developed an interest in the crafts of the region and soon begin selling the items they amassed.

At first the Pollacks sold only at crafts fairs and universities, but soon they developed enough of a following to open a store.  That was in 1994. 

Last winter, on December 31, the original store closed rather abruptly, something Pollack says she would rather not focus on now.

"We are really trying to look forward now," says Pollack, whose 3-year-old daughter is perhaps the most thrilled with the new space. After all, the cash register is lower and now she feels she can help. 

The store will still carry the same Southwestern crafts – Zuni fetishes, Native American pottery – they were founded on, they have since branched out, now selling gifts and unique crafts from all over the world, but their new ventures are also exciting, Pollack says.

"When we closed our doors, it was very emotional," says Pollack, adding that the family has spent the last four months traveling, resting and getting "a lot of extra family time." 

At this point, everyone is ready for the re-opening.  On Friday, April 30, the store will open "softly" by allowing people back inside to browse and buy, but the real celebration will be May 1.

Guttman, for one, cannot wait.

"It is the sheer variety of stuff that makes the place so special," Guttman says.  "I am so glad they will be back."

The store will be holding a store-wide sale to mark it's re-opening and has a celebration planned for Saturday, May 1.