Five Questions with Pacific Northwest Shop Manager-Debbie Peterson

If you grew up in Tacoma, you already know the Pacific Northwest Shop. Bob Evans opened the doors decades ago with a simple idea: celebrate the makers, flavors, and stories of our corner of the world. Since then, the shop has become a Proctor District fixture—part gift shop, part community hub, and 100% Tacoma. Today, Bob’s son Matt carries the torch, with day-to-day magic orchestrated by store manager Debbie, who seems to know every regular by name (and their favorite jam).

We’re kicking off our “5 Questions With…” series right here—shining a light on the people who keep Tacoma’s small-business heartbeat strong.

Meet: Debbie Peterson from Pacific Northwest Shop.

1. What’s your favorite part of the job that people don’t see on Instagram?

Connection with our suppliers is my favorite part of the job!  I love supporting local makers and artists.  I love hearing their stories and about their processes.

2. What’s the last thing a customer said that totally made your day?

“The store looks amazing!!”  I could never get tired of hearing that.

3. A tourist has 2 hours in town. Where do you send them—one bite, one view, one shop?

1. Bite:  Katie Down’s 

2. View:  Narrows Bridge

3. Shop: The Pacific Northwest Shop of course!!

4. Best local item for sale in the store under $25?    Campfire Coffee (Tacoma, WA)

5.  Lightning Round (pick 2): Coffee order • Best Tacoma “small joy” • Rainy-day soundtrack • Favorite local tradition

Coffee Order:  Americano with vanilla and cream

Tacoma Small Joy:  Walking the trails at Point Defiance

Rainy Day Soundtrack: Norah Jones

Local Tradition:  Zoolights

TTown: Any background you’d like to share; how long have you been at PNWS, favorite pizza, former life?

 
I’ve been the manager of the PNW Shop for almost 2 years.  It has been such a great experience.  As a former art teacher, the skillset of a store manager  is very transferable.  I’m an introverted extrovert.  I love people and I love solitude!  I’m interested in all things health and wellness and some woo woo stuff too!

TTown: We’ll have to wait til next time to get the favorite pizza out of her, and what that “woo woo” stuff is.

Looking around her shop, I’m guessing Bigfoot!

Thanks Debbie for joining our “5 Questions With” Series, highlighting our local small businesses and the people that help make TTown such a special place!