Los Andes Shop opens store in Hoodland Plaza posted on 12/01/2022
Debbie Berhó and her husband have been offering a variety of
handmade textiles through popup shops and at summer events in recent years,
including up in Government Camp. As they considered a location for a potential
retail space, it became clear that the Mountain community was calling.
“We felt very welcome,” Berhó said. “We already feel like we
have some connection with a lot of the people in the Mountain.”
Last month, the Berhós opened Los Andes Shop in the Hoodland
Plaza, 68212 Hwy. 26 in Welches, offering sweaters, jackets, blankets, couch
throws, hammocks, hoodies and more that feature southwestern and western
themes. A Grand Opening celebration will be held Thursday through Sunday, Dec.
1-4, where the first five customers each day will receive a gift along with
their purchase and there will be a drawing for a $25 gift certificate for the
Hoodland Plaza merchant of the winner’s choice.
“It’s been very exciting,” Berhó said. “We’ve been thinking
about it for a few years.”
The pair began selling on the Mountain in 2019 in Government
Camp, then a popup location during the ski season in 2020-21 and at the outdoor
plaza by the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum in the summer of 2022.
Their offerings include many textiles from the town of
Otavalo in Ecuador, such as hoodies featuring a blend of alpaca and acrylic,
making them very soft, yet washable. They have also added items featuring
Bigfoot, including trucker hats and blankets, due to popularity.
At their new retail space, Berhó anticipates increasing
their inventory of items specific to the Mountain, including a windbreaker
featuring an outline of Mount Hood, while also adding heavier wool items, such
as mittens and gloves, to combat the cold of winter.
“They’re not something you're going to find for sale at
Costco or Fred Meyer,” Berhó said.
She added that they prioritize their relationships with the
people in Ecuador who make the products and are not interested in carrying
poorly made items.
“Neither my husband nor I are interested in purchasing
something like that,” Berhó said. “We really are dedicated and committed to the
people we buy from. We know that for many of them, the orders make a difference
in feeding their families. That's important to us.”
She added that they also appreciate the relationships
they’ve made on the Mountain, including watching kids at ski camps grow up
through the years and their time with the Museum.
For more information, visit https://losandesshop.com, call
503-207-3214, email losandesshop@gmail.com or find the store on Facebook. Los
Andes Shop hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
By Garth Guibord/MT
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