Pandora's Great Pane

August 24, 10:39 PMDenver Shopping ExaminerAndrea Terrones

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The DNC is now in full swing and there was bound to be a bit of controversy leading up to the event. Local boutique Pandora Jewelry located on 13th Ave recently received some criticism due to its window display which not only includes Barack Obama apparel but also John McCain items. During a KHOW radio morning  show some callers expressed their displeasure finding the Republican merchandise to be an unnecessary addition.  I spoke with Pandora owner Stephanie Shearer about the negative reaction it brought and how a simple window display could become a pain in someone's "left" side.

How did KHOW radio become involved?
KHOW came in last week (week of 08/11) and did a little radio interview with me about our window asking "How is the Obama merch selling, are you excited for the DNC?" He asked me about the RNP stuff (an elephant tote, a McCain onesie, and a pair of elephant earrings) and I explained that I couldn't imagine being a Republican right now and I wanted all of our customers to feel welcome. Then, all of the sudden on Monday, the show apparently aired morning drive time,  customers came in talking about how angry Democrats were, calling up suggesting a boycott of the store because we were so brazen to include John McCain merch in our window. I missed the show. I didn't know it was going to be on, and KHOW did not contact me for additional comment.

Since Denver is hosting the Democratic National Convention did the reaction from people come as a surprise?
As a Bleeding heart vegan liberal I was shocked and appalled really, that my fellow left leaning friends would have the audacity to fault us for supporting a two party (maybe even three party) system and the suggestion of a boycott of the right to free thought. Ignoring the DNC in Denver this year is like trying to ignore Christmas, you can cover your eyes and ears but it's all around and we're retailers in a retail recession so we're excited about the potential of extra revenue. But the surprise was that regardless of my personal beliefs, Pandora Jewelry has always tried to maintain a relatively political friendly zone and we absolutely believe that people have the right to choose their own political candidate.

What was your decision process on displaying the items? Political? Decorative?
We have a heat press and make a lot of our tote bags and baby onesies custom for our customers. Our transfer supplier had all this Obama and McCain stuff (even though they're from Canada) and we said, yeah why not? Instead of buying a DNC endorsed tote that everyone in town is going to have, the delegates have a choice and can purchase one of our grass roots, pressed by hand, totes for only $14, a bargain comparatively. Denverites and delegates alike can take a walk on the covert crafty side and save a few bucks to boot.

What frustrated you most about the complaints?
I was shocked that my fellow leftists would suggest bringing the iron fist down on a little independent, family-owned boutique and community staple like Pandora Jewelry. Are you kidding me? We're one of the few small businesses around that haven't switched over and sold our soul to the Republican Party in exchange for the tax breaks. But even more than that the last time I looked around, I thought the Dems supported free thought, free trade and free speech. This shook me right down to the core of my liberal loins.

Do you think Pandora is too pro-Obama, is it necessary for a store to be fair to both parties?
I think that people actually thought we were too pro-McCain, which for the people who know me personally is not only hysterical but strangely ironic. I personally don't think, as an individual, one could be "too pro-Obama", but yes it is important to me that all of my customers feel comfortable in Pandora and believe absolutely that people have the right to express their opinion. I have yet to hear any one accuse us of being too Pro-Obama. But the two McCain totes, two McCain baby onesies and a pair of elephant earrings (as opposed to a mountain of Obama merchandise) have us tagged as McCain supporters.

Any plans on changing the display? Or adding to it?
No way. There is nothing offensive at all, one way or another, about the display and I would not change a thing. Pandora changes its windows every month, so at the beginning of September we will have a new and equally as radical "travel theme" for all to enjoy. But this window will be up all the way through the DNC, Republican totes and all. The last time I looked Mr. Barack Obama was running for President of the United States, not king.

The display at Pandora Jewelry