WHITE SALMON — After stepping through its bright pink and yellow door, Marcel Good Goods treats your eyes to a bit of everything. Locally sourced paintings, artisan-made furniture, and vintage clothing fill an old car wash-turned-energetic studio space, expertly curated by owner and artist Amy Nowatzki.
The shop’s emphasis on high-quality, secondhand goods reflects its broader commitment to sustainability, aiming to shift visitors’ mindset away from mass production, while simultaneously providing an eye-catching artistic community hub.
“I want to entice people’s imagination — to get them thinking differently about art and objects,” Nowatzki said. “You can combine eras and styles all in the world of secondhand, while supporting local artists.”
Originally from Michigan, Nowatzki lived in Portland for several years before migrating to the Gorge 11 years ago. Her vision to launch a brick-and-mortar began in her 20s, morphing from a kitchenware shop concept into an art gallery after studying graphic design at the University of Arizona and dipping into the world of oil painting.
After looking for a potential space in Hood River for more than two years, where she currently resides, Nowatzki started exploring options on the Washington side, eventually finding and opening a spot in downtown White Salmon three years ago. Hikes around Mount Adams and frequent trips across the river illuminated a sense of magic and wonder apt for the shop’s intent. “There’s something energetically about this side that I really connect with,” Nowatzki said.
Marcel Good Goods is named after her late dog who tragically passed away during the shop’s fit-out stage. His joyful spirit, however, remains within its walls and is immediately felt upon entry.
Nowatzki’s attention to secondhand goods started as a recognition of good design; whether it was clothing, furniture, or objects, she noticed that things made back in the day tend to be of high quality. Coupled with a mission to protect the world and sustain the environment — especially within an industry dominated by fast fashion and fast furniture — she felt a shop like Marcel could awaken the beauty of living and designing secondhand. “You can still get your hands on beautiful things without contributing to that unsustainable process,” Nowatzki said.
Her seasoned eye for curation stems from years and years of practice, digging for treasure at thrift stores, estate sales, and vintage art galleries. By trusting her strong sense of composition and color, Nowatzki has grown pickier over time, only selecting items that she personally loves rather than those others might. This method ensures continuity and prevents excess, especially as the Gorge’s many local artists continue to wander in, hoping to showcase and sell their work.
Such collaborations culminate in art shows and other community events hosted by the shop, often co-produced by two or more artists, which can gather upwards of 150 excited visitors. “It’s amazing. They need it. The Gorge wants it,” Nowatzki said.
Outside of events, however, the majority of Marcel’s customers are tourists — people from Seattle and Portland traveling to the area for hiking and wine tasting, Nowatzki explained. Locally, the shop attracts interior designers and new homeowners in the process of filling out their spaces.
Moving forward, Nowatzki hopes to attract more local foot traffic and continue to flesh out Marcel’s presence as a community hub, where artists can produce shows and people can come hang out while keeping conversations surrounding sustainable living alive.
Marcel Good Goods is located at 163 N Main Ave. With its website still in progress, visit www.instagram.com/marcel.good.goods for event dates and more information.
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