In True South County Style

For nearly 40 years, Zero Wampum has reigned as one of South County’s coolest gift shops. This family run business is the go-to place for eclectic gifts, unique jewelry and locally-themed (and made!) treasures. We got the scoop on the store from Sue Snow, who’s been there from the beginning.

Zero Wampum has been around for nearly 40 years. How has the store evolved?
We started out with a small gift store on Wampum Road in Narragansett (hence the name). The Richmond family, Gerald and his wife Amy, along with his brother Kenneth, opened the store in 1973. I came along in 1974 and Amy and I have taken turns managing the store over the years. The family has an uncanny knack for knowing what to feature and when, and for keeping up with the trends. It’s important for us to get to know our customers and what they’re looking for.

Summertime is typically chock full of parties and events. What gifts do you recommend for the host who has everything?

The GurglePot fish pitcher is a great conversation starter. It gurgles when you pour from it and makes a delight- ful item for the summer table. We have great prints including the Point Judith Lighthouse, a South County collage and nautical prints that are perfect for a summer cottage. We carry other local gifts including a photo book by Rhode Islander Stephanie Izzo, Rhode Island playing cards, signs that have the latitude and longitude of New England hot spots, lacquered trays and coasters featuring nautical scenes and signs with whimsical sayings such as “On ‘Gansett Time.”

What are some of the style trends you’re seeing for summer?
Anchors are definitely a trend for the summer, especially in bags, scarves and clothing. Lilly Pulitzer insulated cooler bags and colorful tumblers are a favorite and perfect for the beach. Turquoise and silver jewelry remains a summer staple. Another special item is a hair bracelet called Simbi. Simbi is a Haitian water spirit and these bands are made in Haiti with proceeds being used to provide Haitians with clean water. This season we’re seeing an interest in printed lightweight cotton beach cover-ups and we have some really pretty pieces in soft hues.

Does your store cater primarily to women? How can we get our guys to come along for the trip?
Our customers are primarily women, but we have plenty of wonderful male customers. We have a great selection of cookbooks for seafood and grilling. Items from local company Fred & Friends get everyone laughing. Many men come in to find just the right piece of jewelry for their better half.

You sell such unique jewelry. What advice do you have for those of who’ve been wearing the same pieces forever?
Experiment a little! If you are used to post earrings, try a pair of dangles. Try new stones, different colors, let your hair down a bit and be daring. Group bracelets together or go with a bigger, wider style than you normally would. It’s amazing how a different pair of ear- rings, necklace or bracelet will change your look and your outlook.

What products are classics for you?
One of our oldest and best lines is Crabtree & Evelyn. The quality and packaging are superb and the scents are wonderful. Some of our customers have had the same favorite soap and lotion for years and others continually try new products. Eileen Fisher clothing is a staple. It’s a simple, yet classic style, made from quality materials with gorgeous colors. Another oldie but goodie is Vera Bradley. We’ve been carrying the line for about a decade and it’s loved by all ages. Vera’s colors come out seasonally, so there’s always something new and refreshing.

What local products do you carry?
Rebecca Leonard’s Fuschia Blooms jewelry line is made right in Providence. She uses sterling, brass, stones and vintage beads to produce lovely earrings and necklaces with colors, textures and styles that are simply beautiful. She recycles old findings and stones into new designs. We carry The Fisherman’s Table cookbook by Laura Blackwell, which features recipes by local fishermen. We like carrying this book because South County is truly a seafood paradise. We have anchor sea salt soap, seahorse seaweed soap and floating soap from Kalastyle, a Rhode Island company.

How challenging is it to run a family business?
In almost 40 years we’ve had many generations of family working here. Of course, we’ve had challenges along the way but our ties remain strong. We even have employees that are the children of former employees. We’re grateful to have them remain a part of our family. We don’t always agree on all the products we carry but our differences make the selection so unique.