Shake the Tree

Goodies staple replants in North End

By CHRISTINE LIU

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Two weeks ago, Marian Klausner moved her store Shake the Tree literally down the block from 95 to 67 Salem Street. The motivation for the relocation appears absent of any drama or massive reinvention. "Honestly, we got a really great long lease," admits Klausner. "The North End is really hopping; I love the energy down here. Business is great—we wanted to stay [with] long-term security."

Although there isn't really much of an upgrade in terms of additional space, the new location seems more easily navigable and organized, with pale blue walls and modern lighting leading the way. "It's brighter, more contemporary, more airy in feeling," agrees Klausner. Just like before, there's an intense slew of home décor, paper goods and personal accessories, but the clothing collections have expanded to include a diverse range from heavy-hitters Ben Sherman and Converse by John Varvatos to boutique labels Porridge and Fifi Tee. Shake the Tree is also a gift-givers paradise, stocked with grilled cheese sandwich cookbooks, candles sporting descriptions like "Tuberosa Agave" and neon felt stuffed creatures by Pooki and Co.

They're starting up their monthly parties again, the next of which occurs on May 15 with Brookline-based bag designers Ame & Lulu with cocktails a-flowing. Klausner also extended the store's evening hours: "Lots of people come home from work, and that's the perfect time to poke around."

"It's good to see the neighborhood grow," remarks Klausner on the changes afoot throughout the North End's commercial and residential communities. "It's nice to see the area keep its vibrancy without losing the Italian touch." Which only means, of course, a civil cohabitation of blistered pizza and playful frills. Yummy-yummy, this.

[Shake the Tree, 67 Salem St., North End, Boston. 617.742.0484. shakethetreeboston.com]