New gift store featuring local artists opens in Tacoma’s Freighthouse Square
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- A Gift of Serenity opened in Tacoma’s Freighthouse Square, selling handmade goods.
- Owner Allaric Say’shianda stocks jewelry, clothing, candles and Pride items year-round.
- Business remains open amid plans to demolish Freighthouse Square for a Link station.
Despite news that the historic Freighthouse Square in Tacoma’s Dome District likely will be demolished sometime in the next decade, businesses are opening in the indoor mall that’s affectionately known as the city’s Pike Place Market.
One such new business is A Gift of Serenity, a gift store selling handmade jewelry, clothing and decor made by the owner and 20 other Tacoma and PNW artists.
Upon a visit Wednesday afternoon, owner Allaric Say’shianda showed off arm warmers, clothing, candles, beanies, cat toys, pillows, stickers and other decor. Tumblers affixed with rainbows and catchphrases, 3D printed dragons, crocheted animals and Celtic jewelry were also for sale.
Despite the closures of businesses like the Olive Branch Cafe and Tea Room following the Sound Transit board’s decision to move forward with a plan that would raze Freighthouse Square to make way for a new Tacoma Dome Link station, Say’shianda wants people to know that small businesses are operating in the space and encouraged people to stop by.
“Life is still happening here. Freighthouse still has something to offer,” Say’shianda said. “We’re not shutting down. We’re still open and the more that we can get the word out, the better.”
A Gift of Serenity operated out of the Sanford and Son’s Antique Mall on Antique Row in downtown Tacoma since April, and on Sunday will be making its full move to a larger space in Freighthouse Square, Say’shianda said. Walk past the food court to find it.
Say’shianda said Freighthouse Square has more parking and the new storefront is easier for shoppers to find. Say’shianda started the business in 2019, selling at vendor markets and online, but wanted to open a bigger permanent space.
A social worker, a member of the LGBTQ+ community and sober for 21 years, Say’shianda said they wanted to make items that celebrate that. Say’shianda is typically a vendor at the Tumwater Pride Festival and five other local Pride events, but now has a space where people can buy pride merchandise year-round.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about joy and self care,” they said.
Follow the shop’s website, Facebook or Instagram (@SerenityAGiftOf) to stay up-to-date on events planned for later this year.
If you go
Address: 440 E. 25th St., Suite 52, Tacoma, WA 98421
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This story was originally published January 24, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
