Store with a Story: Pangaea
History can be found throughout Nashville, not just in our city’s landmarks. Beloved local stores contribute to Nashville’s special character and memories as well. Pangaea, a retail fixture for 32 years, was owned by Sandra Shelton.
It was a welcoming shop with an international sensibility, a place where customers became friends. There was always a dog on the premises hoping to be petted. Over the years this included Reba, Chester, Bailey and Coco – all big dogs. And then there was Chacho the Chihuahua. Though it had a loyal fan base who appreciated the vibe and its curated products, Pangaea closed in 2019 when Sandra retired to pursue her passion for Nashville architecture and history.
The name Pangaea comes from the Greek Pan (whole or all) and Gaea (earth). Sandra opened the store on December 1, 1987, in an old house across from the International Market on Belmont Boulevard. Visually, the space reflected her love of vintage, tie dye and the colors of Guatemala, with antiques and secondhand fixtures throughout and photographs from her travels on the walls.
Two years passed and a new landlord meant the need to move. There was space next to Sunshine Grocery, the only natural foods store in Nashville at that time, and its well trafficked location was a perfect spot. The move took place in January 1990. More traffic meant opening 6 days a week and adding a few employees. Merchandise selection expanded to include more clothing, jewelry, local crafts and folk art from Mexico, India and Indonesia.
Business increased steadily until the summer of 1997 when Sunshine Grocery wanted to expand. Sandra found the best location yet in Hillsboro Village, which had seen some decline but was coming back with the addition of Provence Breads and Cafe and Fido, a coffee house with elevated food.
Space at the corner of Belcourt Avenue and 21st Avenue South was available, and Sandra went to work restoring the space to its early bones with a tin ceiling, exposed brick walls and a new hardwood floor.
Prior to Pangaea, the building had housed White Market, a meat market, from around 1920 until the 1940’s when Sherwin Williams Paints moved in. It also served as home for the Needlecraft Shop which was owned and operated by Mary Lou Davis, matriarch of the Davis Cookware and Cutlery family, from 1972 to 1997.
With its third move, Pangaea continued its reign as the place to go for gifts in Nashville, whether one was looking for clothing, jewelry, folk art, books, cards, toys or home decor. Throughout its Nashville tenure, colorful and eclectic Pangaea remained true to its name, one world.
