east valley
Volume 4 Issue 31 Mesa, AZ
February 13, 2021
Chandler woman gives birth to her retail dream BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor
E
IN THE BIZ
rin Dragoo made it out of school before COVID-19 hit. With a degree from Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism, the Chandler woman had her sights set on a career in web design and social media studies. But she also helped out at her motherin-law’s 4-year-old Ocotillo boutique called Judy Wear. That experience gave her the retailer bug – and that itch blossomed last week into the grand opening of her own store, Lunch Money at 2430 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler. The store reflects a certain nostalgia that Dragoo has to the 1990s. Though born in 1990, she explained, “Fanny packs, baby tees, butterfly clips, oversized scrunchies, chokers, printed leggings – it just brings back some nostalgia for me.” Hence, she said her “entire store is curated” with an inventory that “took me three months of heavy research and online shopping.” “It’s carefully selected to ensure that everything goes together, that everything is fun, that nothing is basic or ordinary,” Dragoo explained, stating that she also looks for handmade items to sell because “they make the most unique gifts for both the people we love and ourselves.” So, Lunch Money brims with a variety of handmade wares: clay and resin earrings and hair clips, concrete phone holders, photo holders and soap dishes, Public Notices ............... page 2 © Copyright, 2022 East Valley Tribune
Erin Dragoo last week cut the ribbon at the grand opening of her new Chandler store, called Lunch Money. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)
hand-mixed confetti packets, candles, hand-painted blankets, sage bundles and incense burners, resin bottle openers and wine glass holders, dried flower arrangements, wood flowers and wall hangings, paper maché bowls and animal head wall hangings “and some really cool art prints.” “I will say that I’m very picky,” Dragoo said. “I’ve had a few artists approach me about carrying their product and I’ve turned them down because it doesn’t go with the Lunch Money vibe. Of course, I also carry bigger brands like ban.do and Erin Condren because I have always loved (USPS 004-616) is published weekly
Mailing Address: 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy., Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 898-6500 Steven Strickbine, publisher Paul Maryniak, executive editor
their products, and I never dreamed that I would be able to sell them.” There are also tarot cards, funny greeting cards, planners and “so many cute gift items.” Dragoo’s playful approach – reflected even in her grand opening last week, when she cut a ribbon with giant pink scissors – also extends to the way she decorated Lunch Money: wild black-and-white floor tile, bright green walls and a flower wall for selfies. A Tucson native who has lived in Chandler for more than 10 years, Dragoo makes Subscriptions are $26 for 2 years, $14 for one year. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, AZ 85026.
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