Periwinkle, at 3815 Livingston Street NW
by Will Fowler
In 1996, Judy Philactos quit her job at Dean and DeLuca and took the first steps toward running her own business.
“I decided I wanted to do something on my own rather than work in what was becoming a very corporate atmosphere,” she said. “I started as a home business, I did gift baskets.”
Using connections from her previous job and connections in the community, Philactos founded Periwinkle, the gift shop at 3815 Livingston Street that has supplied the neighborhood with boutique gifts, fine chocolates and candies for more than two decades. She soon found working from home isolating, and decided to take another big leap.
“What I really loved was the interaction with people, so I looked for store fronts, and that’s how I found the space on Livingston street,” she said. “I didn’t really choose the location, there wasn’t a lot available. I was reticent at first, since it was on a side street, but I realized it had a hair salon next door, a cleaner two doors away, and a Starbucks on the corner, which is guaranteed foot traffic.”
Opening just ahead of the December gift season, business was excellent. Although the store went through occasional depressions in business (like during the Beltway sniper attacks), sales always rebounded.
“It really hasn’t changed,” Philactos said. “I’ve always been able to maintain a strong customer base.”
She credits that to giving her business an individual touch by personally selecting every item sold at the store and keeping a tight-knit staff. But over the years, maintaining a physical location has become difficult.
“It’s become a labor of love,” Philactos said. “It’s open seven days a week, so payroll and rent and all the expenses that go into running a business have increased – my revenue and my sales have not increased.”
That’s why, she said, she decided to close the Periwinkle storefront this summer. Philactos made her decision long before the store shut down due to the pandemic. She plans on continuing the business in some way, but hasn’t decided on exactly how.
While the store is closed due to Covid-19, Philactos is taking phone orders at 202-364-3076. In addition to gifts like candles, frames, vases and jewelry, she has a large assortment of Easter merchandise, candy and chocolate.
“I will figure out a way to reinvent it, either through popups, or doing something custom, or setting up a studio and doing gift baskets,” she said. “There are so many possibilities out there. I’m not giving up Periwinkle.”
Long-time customers have already begun sharing their emails with her so they can continue buying.
“I’ve had a wonderful experience with the shop. The thing I’m going to miss the most is socializing and getting to know the customers that have come in over the last 20 years,” Philactos said. “I’ve employed their kids, who still come back from college and work for me, and people come in to visit. It’s a community-oriented place. I will miss it all, but hopefully I can reinvent it somehow.”
Kathy Sykes says
This is one of our favorite local businesses. I have bough presents for so many nieces and nephews and friends over the years. It was a place I could go where I knew I could find something special. It was a very special place. We too hope that the store can be reinvented and continue as a great community resource.
Sibo Ncube says
It is with sadness that I learn about possibility of Periwinkle Gift store front closing summer of 2020.
This was one of my “feel good stores”, especially around this time of the year and during the holidays. I used to refer to it as “My therapy store”.
Whenever I needed a unique birthday gift, for a special friend or treating myself to something special; Periwinkle was always on top of my list. However I am consoled by the chance that Judy Philactos may be taking the store on line.
Thank you for providing excellent customer service and quality merchandise at your store over the years Judy.
Renee Weitzner says
I will miss this wonderful shop. It’s a breath of fresh air which I enjoy each time I enter the store. Thank you for your wonderful store. I hope to stay in touch as you progress to an on-line store.
Jessica hodge says
To Judy
Periwinkle was a destination in our neighborhood. I always looked forward to seeing wonderful things when I opened the door. Choosing was always a challenge over the years we became acquainted I will miss you there as look forward to your next venture
Gail Scott says
Gail Scott
Judy, I miss you and Periwinkle! You were my one-stop shop for the holidays. You always surprised me with great gifts I’d never thought about before I walked in your door. It didn’t matter who I was shopping for,, you had the answer.
Years ago when I was producing “Try It!” for The Washington Post Magazine,” you were one of my favorite stops. Our readers loved your items.
I know you’re creating something new to share with all your friends and fans. I can’t wait to see what it is and participate in your newest adventure.
Please stay safe and enjoy the holidays!
Maria says
Oh, this is so sad. Every holiday season–hanukkah, christmas, easter, a baby’s birthday, a chocolate craving, a special set of coffee cups with birds from an english designe–I would slip in and come away with lovely treats.
Now’ I find one of my holiday ornaments has broken and I reach for the phone to see if Judy can find a replacement and learn that the shop is closed. (The pandemic has kept me away from shops for a while.)
Let us know what’s next!