Pineapple on Main showcases local designers
Pineapple on Main, which occupies the former home of longtime jewelers A. I. Poland’s, is dedicated to sourcing, supporting and showcasing products from local, ambitious artists. The store features handcrafted items such as home accessories, paintings, prints and textiles from the area’s “up and coming.”
“Being so close to the robust and influential art community of Philadelphia, we are honored to collaborate with such talented artists and share their personal stories with our customers,” says Kathy Piccari, who co-owns the shop with Taryn Rager.
Piccari and Rager started in business together in 2013 when they opened the interior design firm Harris & Tweed Interiors. Their home-based business grew rather quickly, so they went in on a shared studio space on Main Street in Manayunk in 2015.
According to Piccari, the need for a home furnishings destination in the area was evident very early on, which sparked an idea to transition the design studio into a curated boutique of home décor and giftware.
“We decided to test the market, bringing in a few items from a home décor brand that previously hosted a popup shop in our space,” she explained. “In no time, locals became attracted to our store and our merchandise. The requests for ‘all things homerelated’ came pouring in, and so was the official start of Pineapple on Main.”
Piccari and Rager chose the name because pineapples are recognized as the symbol of hospitality, welcome, friendship and warmth.
“All characteristics of a well-designed home, which we strive to produce in every one of our design projects,” Piccari said. “We wanted our store to mimic those intangible assets in every way possible, starting with the name.”
Rager said when someone comes into Pineapple on Main, they welcome them into a friendly environment that is full of in-
“Thinkof our store as a reallife Pinterest board; you can experience the latest interior design trends andmost popular giftware items firsthand.” — Kathy Piccari, co-owner, Pineapple on Main
spiration for their home, as well as showcasing their curated collection of giftware.
“The products we bring into our store not only fit in with our clean and comfortable aesthetic but bring functionality in each room of the home,” she said.
At Pineapple on Main, customers are the biggest resource, Piccari and Rager said. If enough customers mention they need duvet covers, they will bring in duvet covers. They listen closely to the needs and wants of customers to offer a broader assortment of popular and affordable housewares.
Piccari explained they curate merchandise with full intent to inspire and awaken one’s inner designer.
“Think of our store as a real-life Pinterest board; you can experience the latest interior design trends and most popular giftware items first-hand,” she said. “Need design advice? Come in; let’s chat. We’ll answer all of your questions and guide you in the right design direction. From paint colors to furniture pieces to wall décor, we’re here to help you find your own personal design style.”
Every time Piccari and Rager walk through the front door of Pineapple on Main, they said, they feel incredibly blessed they were given the opportunity to open their first store in Manayunk.
“Our customers are incredibly loyal and supportive, my business neighbors have become such great friends and the Mana- yunk Development Corp. provides vast resources to develop and strengthen our presence as a shopping destination,” Piccari said. “Manayunk is a vibrant, family friendly community full of quality restaurants, shops, activities and events. You can find everything you need on Main Street.”
This summer, Piccari and Rager have events planned in-store and with the community. They are participating in Manayunk’s Stroll the Street every Thursday evening, with extended hours until 9 p.m., movie night concession stands, sidewalk sales and sneak peaks at upcoming trends and products. A full calendar of events can be found at pineappleonmain.com.