San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Unique, long-time lamp shop shines in Hillcrest
Ensconced in a classic Craftsman house on Sixth Avenue in Hillcrest, Tap Lighting is a bright spot for people looking for lamps of all kinds — antique or new.
The two-story lamp shop, owned by Tammy Packard, is a place you can’t miss. An assortment of lamps are displayed outside on a wrap-around porch, previewing a snippet of the treasures inside.
“It’s a one-stop shop for lighting,” Packard said. “(People) don’t get the fact that we’re both (antique and new).”
The company started in 1990 as a wholesale lightbulb business, with Packard selling bulbs out of her San Diego home.
She had previously worked for a lightbulb company in New Hampshire and when she moved west, Packard took on her own clients, including hotels and restaurants like the former Black Angus on Friars Road.
After owning two small storefronts in the city, Packard relocated her business to Hillcrest, buying the old Craftsman at 3690 Sixth Avenue that had previously housed an antique shop.
She has been collecting and selling lamps and lightbulbs there for the past 22 years.
“We can meet every budget,” Packard said. “I can find a fixture that blows your mind (at any price point). Customer service is our thing and we respect budgets.”
Offering free in-home and in-store consultations, Packard says Tap Lighting has four rooms showcasing over 100 lines of vintage, antique, new and eclectic lamps from $50 to $10,000 sourced in the country and places like Portugal, Spain and France.
“Most people come to me and love my suggestions,” Packard said. “I’m like an interior designer but I don’t charge. It’s a great service for people who want something but don’t know what they want.”