Wald and Sea
Owner Kim Wald ’ s Newport shop whispers California cool in the City by the Sea . By Jackie Ignall
Newport is hardly lacking in eye-candy boutiques . Few , however , have an East Coast-meets-West Coast vibe that you will find at Wald and Sea .
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WALD AND SEA / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGHAN SEPE .
Located on a lively Spring Street corner , Wald and Sea boasts an array of handmade items for those on your holiday list . Owner Kim Wald opened the store in June 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions in Rhode Island were lifted . “ Business was slower than it might have been had I opened during a non-COVID year ,” she says . However , “ this was good because I was new to the retail business . It afforded me the opportunity to ramp up slowly .”
Wald previously lived in Chicago and California , but called Newport home for four years before moving back to the West Coast in 2013 . In 2019 , big life changes led her back east , which triggered the idea of opening her own store .
The historic brick building , dating back to 1876 with large windows on the first floor , appealed to Wald when she searched for a location . It is walking distance to some of Newport ’ s upscale hotels and used to house a bakery ; the facade still has a wheat bundle pictured at the top .
Airy and bright , the space has a designer ’ s eye and a merchandiser ’ s touch . Wald spent years working as a set designer for commercial photo shoots then in product development and marketing for large corporations such as Levi Strauss and Co . and Oracle . Her background influences how she sources and merchandises and is evident as soon as you walk into the light-filled space .
The interior leans into that California vibe with white walls , muted woods and woven light fixtures hanging from the ceiling . Wald carries handmade ceramics , tableware , beachy woven bags , landscape and portrait paintings , candles and diffusers , brass and gold-plated jewelry and boho pillows and throws . “ I pass every product through a simple test ,” she says . “ Would I want this in my home ? And , is the item light , airy , warm , organic , earthy , peaceful , welcoming and a little boho ?”
Most items are from vendors in California , southern Europe and Morocco as well as local makers and artisans such as Gratitude Boards from Peter Zuerner , ceramics from Jordan Blankenship and coastal landscape paintings from Newport artist Helen Hadley . “ I love the local craftsmen ’ s and artists ’ work the most ,” she says . “ People visiting appreciate it and so do the locals .”
Every season you can expect new items in store for both men and women . Wald recently added her own candle line , created a small collection of breezy linen tunics and jewelry collaborations at price points appealing to a variety of customers . “ I moved here two years ago and learn something new or meet someone every week ,” she says . “ I especially love the customers who just pop in to say hi with their pups in tow for a treat . It really makes my day .” 107 Spring St ., Newport , 847-5833 , waldandsea . com �
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l NOVEMBER 2021 19