“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.”
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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!”
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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.