Avoca - an Irish example of product categorization by sensibility

One of my favorite examples of unique product selection and categorization has always been Anthropologie. I thought there was no where else to buy clothes, gifts and housewares that all fit in to one sensibility (except for other stores owned by this company like Urban Outfitters). Imagine my surprise when I found another place that has done this even better - meandering though the shopping district in Dublin!

Enter Avoca. Around since the 1700s, this company specializes in hand-made wool products. But wow have they expanded. In their Dublin store, found just off Grafton Street, sells clothing for women, men and children, housewares, jewelry, gifts, even food, all centered around the same sensibility evoked by their original product - wool scarves. The store is welcoming, in a way that brings to mind a cozy cottage and the layout that at first seems a bit haphazard, but really encourages the customer to make their way all the way through all fives floors of product. You can buy cookbooks, pots and a lot of ingredients for the recipes, while finding sweaters that you'd imagine wearing while enjoying the stew recipe you just read about. Or you can buy a bracelet as gift for a new mom, and a baby blanket that matches her style. It's even possible to purchase a pea coat for yourself and enjoy a lunch that seems perfectly suited for you.

If you can't make it all the way to Ireland for merchandising inspiration, make a stop at their Annapolis, MD location. It sure looks like the Anthrologies folks have!