Long-Time Marina Retailer Retires
Gay Peraza, who has operated The Queen’s Cabinet ladies’ boutique at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard for almost 10 years, has decided to weigh anchor. The long-time marina retailer is retiring and plans to close her shop on Harborview Drive in September.
It is a decision that comes with mixed feelings, says the Gig Harbor waterfront businesswoman. She has enjoyed her many years as a retailer in the harbor and will miss her loyal customers. But Peraza is looking forward to having more time to spend with family and friends.
Marina Retailer Will Miss Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard
“I have many great customers and my landlord is great,” said Peraza of Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard owner and general manager Ron Roark. “He has been a wonderful landlord and I will miss them over there,” she added, waving an arm toward the working boatyard outside the windows of her boutique. But there comes a time when your family needs you.”
The Queen’s Cabinet is at 3155 Harborview Drive. It is in the marine-blue storefront with crisp white trim next to Emilie Gallery & Boutique, Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard’s other retail tenant. The 1,908-square-foot space will soon be available for lease, so inquire at the marina office at (253) 858-3535.
Peraza has been a merchant in Gig Harbor since 1992, previously operating her clothing store out of another retail space along the downtown waterfront for many years. Her Queen’s Cabinet boutique formerly occupied the space currently used by the Northwest Maritime Academy at the boatyard. She moved to her current location at the front of the building a few years ago.
“I’ve retired two or three times,” she chuckled quietly, warding off any creeping sentimentality over her decision to close her doors. “Business is just business. But now I’ll have time for other things, such as friends who want to meet for lunch, which I never could do before.”
Boutique Owner Praises Retail Space Available Soon at Marina
The private, soft-spoken businesswoman shuns publicity about herself and asked that her photo not be taken. But she was happy to praise the features of the beautiful retail space that will soon be available at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard.
“It’s a super space and you can quote me on that,” she declared. “It’s very pleasant and is just a wonderful space.”
The attractive 1,908-square-foot room is carpeted, has several rows of versatile track lighting running the length of the ceiling, and has air conditioning.
“We have two fitting rooms if another clothing store wanted to come in,” said Peraza. “There is music piped in, we have a storage room, restroom and space for a full kitchenette in the back.”
Peraza is running a going-out-of-business sale on her clothing, jewelry, handbags, flipflops, hats, scarves and other accessories and gifts. She points out that “everything is for sale.” Visit The Queen’s Cabinet before it closes its doors for good and ask Peraza about her display tables, grid wall panels, four-way racks, lighted square towers, glass cubes with hardware, three-way mirrors and more.
“It’s been a great time.” – Gay Peraza, store owner at Gig Harbor Marina
“We have everything you need to start a business,” said the long-time marina retailer.
“It’s been a great time,” she added, looking out across her boutique.