“From our family to yours…” beams Diane Silverstein as she offers me a coffee when I walk through the doors of Absolutely Fabulous Unique Gifts & Décor right as they opened at 10am on a quiet Tuesday.
And that’s what it feels like when you step into “Ab Fab” – like you are surrounded by family.
The night before opening on Black Friday, 2006, Diane’s husband and son were up until 4:30 AM, entering inventory into the computer. Now, 16 years and over 20 national and international awards later, Ab Fab is still bringing unique and special gifts, décor & home accents to the Huntington Beach community.
“My managers are locals who’ve been here for over 10 years and my newer hires are also locals who I hope will be here just as long.”
When asked what the secret to thriving while other gift shops are dying, Diane does not pause: “… people trust us.
“We have tons of fun researching the best of the best for our customers and are very excited to help them find amazing gifts and décor; things you just won’t find on an internet search.
“From birth to death and everything in-between…” is Diane’s moniker “… from religious to rude, too!”
This dedication and love for her job was just recognized twice in the last few months with Ab Fab’s most recent awards – both for being the “top home accents store on the west coast” (named by the Dallas Market Center) and a “retail star” by Home Accents today – the leading publication in the Home Accents industry.
“As a celebration, we have leaned into our home accents and home goods recently” Diane gladly explains. “I have also bought some absolutely fabulous picnic supplies. Aren’t we all ready for a summer of freedom?” She asks while looking up wistfully. “You see, the summer before the pandemic, Ab Fab had a horrendous flood that shut us for months. We are so ready to go out with friends this year. This is our summer.”
Let me tell you… these picnic baskets are unreal: traditional wicker, complete with plates, hand blown glasses, stainless steel utensils and stylish adornments; a real throwback to times past.
“I am ready for some concerts in the park. Can’t forget the bubbly, though!”
Oh! By the way, if you’re a fan of the bubbly, the free coffee becomes free bubbly in the afternoons… just saying… it’s pretty fabulous.
