A trio of Bethlehem business owners already known for their creativity in home design are merging together to help patrons spruce up homes in time for spring.
Plants + Vintage plans to open its doors Friday on the upper floor of the historic Woolworth building, at Suite 205, 551 Main St. in the city’s downtown. The store neighbors the recently-opened Elle’s Contemporary Closet. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for noon with snacks and giveaways being handed out to patrons all weekend long, while supplies last.
The 1,600-square-foot space will focus on home decor options created by Steel City Plant Co. and Domaci Flea, both part of Clark Home Group. Steel City Plant Co. is owned by Angela DelGrosso while Domaci, which means “Home” in Czech, is co-founded by Warren and Derrick Clark.
This is the second brick-and-mortar retail space for Domaci having a second location at Domaci Market and Domaci Design Studio, 523 Main St., in the city. Domaci Flea has been in operation as a component of the Domaci brand since 2015, previously operating a pop-up shop at the 1810 Goundie House, 501 Main St. Now, Plants + Vintage has become Domaci Flea’s permanent site.
Steel City Plant Co. also had some pop-up sites scattered around the city since its inception in 2020 and an online store presence, but this will be DelGrosso’s first permanent brick-and-mortar location.
Patrons of Plants + Vintage can expect an “ultimate green” shopping experience, described Derrick Clark, who also serves as president of Clark Home Group. Shoppers will be able to pick up such items as already-potted houseplants that are pet-friendly from Steel City, as well as vintage decor items, such as tea towels, musical records and glassware, from Domaci Flea — all under the same roof.
“One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is sourcing antique and vintage pieces that I find unique and interesting,” Warren Clark said. “And we can’t wait to show our customers some of the fun pieces that we have been collecting for this endeavor.”
Domaci Flea already was known for its one-of-a-kind treasures and sustainably-sourced furniture. But now, there are collaborative pieces as a result of the merger. Think small plants incorporated inside vintage antique vessels.
DelGrosso of Bethlehem said she initially started Steel City Plant Co. with a passion for at-home horticulture coupled with the frustration of not being able to enjoy it easily. She found herself driving nearly a half hour to the nearest nursery and not being able to find everything she needed in one stop.
“My goal is to make plants more accessible in a walkable and urban environment,” she told lehighvalleylive.com about the new venture with Domaci.
The 1,600-square-foot space will have an eye for home design created by Steel City Plant Co. and Domaci Flea, both part of Clark Home Group.
Patrons of the new store might be excited to learn some of Domaci Flea’s items have graced television sets. Some of the finds were shown on the HBO series, Perry Mason, as well as the CBS Network’s NCIS New Orleans and the Syfy action-drama television series, Happy!
Scattered about the store might be such things as vintage Easter knick-knacks or tote bags. There also could be some wall art, books, posters and greeting cards.
Finds currently for sale at Plants + Vintage’s online store (incorporating both the Domaci Flea and Steel City Plant Co. websites in one platform) include a rainbow watering can for $27.99; a unicorn pot perfect for a tween for $29.99; and a set of four retro cans for $25. Plants on the website range from silver lace ferns to asparagus ferns to Hoyas, Neanthe Bella Palms, and Chinese Fan Palms. There’s also hanging wall art planters and wall shelving. Additionally, the store has a variety of faux plants, including a Lucie Faux Magnolia. The overall mission, Warren Clark said, is to carry pieces pieces patrons can’t get from e-commerce giants or big-box retailers.
Price ranges vary, meaning a patron can scoop up a vintage record for as low as 50 cents to leather furniture piece priced around $2,000.
“And there’s every price point in between,” Warren Clark said. “We truly have something for everyone.”
For those in fear of not having a green thumb, a key service being offered at Plants + Vintage are personalized, one-on-one consultations. Clients will be able to achieve what they are looking for with the help of one of the business’ home designers and guidance on how to main
tain it.
The store’s showroom additionally will be used to showcase an expanded assortment of Domaci’s furniture and home decor options, with the ability to special order even more products that are shown online. Steel City Plant Co. additionally will take special orders for plants if a patron is interested in an item not available at the store.
“We hope people will have fun exploring the new space and finding pieces that spark their curiosity and/or bring back fond memories, while also finding the perfect plant or plant accessory to add some new life and fun to their homes,” Warren Clark said.
Hours for Plants + Vintage are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Monday and Wednesday are by appointment or by chance. There are future plans by the owners to become more involved in the community, hosting events for locals and visitors at Plants + Vintage.
Domaci Market and Domaci Design Studio opened this past December at its new Main Street location with a focus on sustainably-sourced, solid-wood pieces and distinctive home decor. The pair initially launched a larger location in January 2018 at 21 E. 3rd St. after opening their original store on Main Street in 2016 and prior, having an online only operation. They closed the Third Street store when they moved to Main Street. In 2019, the owners also partnered with co-owner Rebecca Additington, to open Ville & Rue by Domaci at 101 NQ in downtown Lancaster.
Asked about any plans for a third business venture for Domaci, Warren Clark told lehighvalleylive.com there is a project in the works for Bethlehem’s SouthSide Arts District later this year. Domaci hopes to make an announcement to the public about the new concept real soon, he said.
Some of the items pictured will be made available at Plants + Vintage when the new store opens Friday, March 5, 2021 in downtown Bethlehem.
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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at [email protected].
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