Jeff West Home opens in Lewes
Jeff West says he never planned to reenter the retail world, but four years after closing his shop in downtown Rehoboth Beach, he’s back with a new store in Lewes.
“I guess retail is like show business, it’s just in your blood,” he said. “I’m very excited about this one. It’s a bit of a twist on my old shop.”
The major difference is the size. At about 300 square feet, the meager space is perfect for West, who balances his time between his shop and his interior design business.
“I’ve been jokingly calling it my lemonade stand,” he said. “I love bringing this to Lewes. This is the town I live in, and I just adore all these people. I’m happy to have it here, and I hope they are too.”
The shop offers everything from antiques and vintage finds to pillows, throws, occasional furniture and lighting. West even has his own candles with two fragrances available – one for the holiday season and another appropriate for year round.
“This is actually something I never thought I’d do again,” he said. “But we kind of just go where life leads us. It must have been meant to be. It just dropped in my lap, so here we go.”
West moved to Lewes from the Washington, D.C., area in 1996. He started his career in visual merchandising for the Hecht’s department store company, where he was the person in charge of displays. He eventually moved on to work for a home furnishing company called The Kellogg Collection, spending 15 years merchandising and buying.
“That place was the love of my life,” he said. “I always say I got my masters there.”
West eventually relocated to Delaware, but his interior decorating business often takes him back to the D.C. area. Most recently, he’s been working with a friend to revitalize the ballroom at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Md.
Jeff West Home is located at 107 W. Market St. in Lewes, next to The Stepping Stone. The shop will be open seven days a week through Christmas. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 12 to 4 p.m., Sundays. In the new year, hours will be reduced to five days a week until spring. For more information, call 302-644-1841.
