Plethora Galleria- an Array of Everything

Photos: Steve Marcotte / OsideNews

Example of homemade soaps available at the galleria.

Oceanside CA- Promoting arts and culture was the vision of Aly Uglow when she opened the Plethora Galleria in September of 2013. The galleria at 603 Mission Avenue is a model of a “sustainable store”. “Everything we use in the store is sustainable” said Aly, “From the shelves, recycled from a Vista store to the antique doors that make up the dressing room, we wanted to reuse material that was already created and available.”

The store began with consignments, homemade soaps and cremes and has evolved with the addition of mid-century modern furniture to the shops inventory.

Mid-century modern furniture

Aly describes the Plethora Galleria as “an array of everything.” We have the merchandise of a high end boutique but not the prices” continued Uglow. “We keep the resale items inexpensive and the new, affordable.” Aly keeps the prices of resale items under $30.00. “We have very popular vintage Hawaiian shirts ranging in price from 5-7 dollars.”  The store also offers jewelry for sale.

Keeping with the “sustainable store” theme, what stands out most, when you enter the store, are the art pieces created from recycled surfboards. The pieces are the work of locals,  Paul Ugie Design and Rodney Rodrigo.  Carved fish and fossil shapes are enchantingly colored with recycled paint and range in size from small to full size surfboard. To go along with the art work, Paul Ugie Design is branching out with a clothing line which is also available at the Galleria.

Recycled surfboard art.

Aly, her daughter, Courtnie and mother, Louis  operate the galleria and  the Surfside Sliders booth at the Sunset Market. “We are proud of our repeat business” Aly said “We tried to create a happy place and when someone leaves here with a smile, whether they bought something or not, we know we did well.”

Uglow is working to promote coastal businesses by incorporating sales at the galleria in conjunction with the Sunset Market. “We would like to draw customers attending the market to businesses along Mission Avenue.” said Uglow.

Like most businesses along Mission Avenue, their shop has been adversely affected by the Mission Avenue Improvement Project [link]. “We have a lot of projects in mind but everything is on hold during the construction.” Aly said. She plans on having art shows in the 2,000 square foot parking lot at the rear of the shop to promote local artists but “right now the parking lot is needed for parking.”

The trio is currently working on a website for the Plethora Galleria and due to construction the shop has abbreviated hours.

Currently, the shop at 603 Mission Avenue is open;
Tuesday- Saturday 11:00AM- 4:00PM

(760) 845-8711