Irrepressible downtown entrepreneur Suraphong “A” Liengboonlertchai has something to celebrate: His shop Simplicity Décor is six years old and he is expanding his Park Lane empire with the opening of a children’s shop.
Simplicity ABC will feature children’s products and is scheduled to open around the end of April at 107 Park Lane, the location now occupied by Lakeshore Gallery, which is closing at the end of February after 29 years in Kirkland.
“It’s a big challenge, that’s for sure,” says Liengboonlertchai, who has just hired and is training four new employees. “It’s keeping me on my toes.”
Liengboonlertchai, who is active with the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and has served on the city’s Parking Advisory Board and the board of the Kirkland Teen Union Building, said customers gave him the idea for the new store. He had carried what he calls “unique and affordable” products for children in his home decor shop.
“They liked our selection, but with limited space we could only do so much,” he explained. His plan is to feature products for kids in three categories: “Live,” with things such as furniture, bedding and bedroom decor; “Laugh, with toys, activities, games and such; and “Learn,” with books, educational toys and science projects.
“We had a focus group of customers and parents help us,” he said. “It’s been fun. I have a good feeling about it.”
Liengboonlertchai also said he is also feeling positive about the local business climate again after brisk holiday sales. "We were very pleased with our holiday sales, and 2011 was the biggest year for us in six years."
The decor of the new shop itself will feature photographs of children, and Liengboonlertchai is asking local parents to send in their pictures. To celebrate Simplicity’s Decor’s six years in Kirkland, the shop is having a sale this weekend, with most items at 20 percent off and some at 70 percent off.
For more information, visit www.simplicitydecor.com or call 425-803-0386. Simplicity Décor is located at 126 Park Lane, Kirkland WA 98033.
