Discover Treasures at Pan Zhai

West meets East at 940 Waterman Ave., bringing a touch of China to East Providence. , the Chinese antique store, is one of a kind in the New England area.

Elizabeth Palumbo opened Pan Zhai in 2002 after traveling throughout Asia with her husband for 10 years and receiving numerous requests from friends for home furnishings. Palumbo herself grew up in Rhode Island, recognizing a need for the type of store that Pan Zhai would become.

"We decided to bring a little bit of China back to the States," Palumbo said.

Pan Zhai has been thriving since its opening, with most of its clientele comprised of Northeast-based designers, although locals are welcome to purchase retail items. Palumbo's husband makes frequent trips to the Asia-Pacific rim for business, refreshing her inventory throughout the year.

Pan Zhai is currently offering a 35 percent off summer sale. Palumbo acknowledges that the summer months often tend to be slower for business.

"People are generally working on their exterior and not their interior at this time of the year," she said.
Still, Palumbo finds the market for Chinese antiques to be appealing as both a buyer and a seller.

"I think what would draw people into Pan Zhai is our unique Asian home decor," she said. "It's very popular in the design world and I think more and more people are attracted to the look and the sen feel that it offers."