Conscious consumers and serenity seekers can embrace a unique shopping experience at Passenger, 1303 Chicago Ave. The paper specialty store opened in December, and has already made a home on the Main-Dempster Mile. “Our products are beautiful, well made and practical, and reveal themselves through sensory encounters,” said owner Yaoyu Tong.
Passenger offers customers a highly curated selection of paper-inspired gifts, home goods and jewelry, in a welcoming and comfortable environment. It’s a place to find inspiration, intention and sustainability, in addition to quality products.
Although the store is new, Tong is no stranger to retail. The Evanston resident also owns Five Elements Home, in Andersonville and brings more than a decade of experience to this venture. “We had customers in Andersonville who live in Evanston, so it seemed like a natural fit to open a second store here. Our shop is relaxing and soothing, and this intersection of Dempster St. and Chicago Ave. has that same kind of vibe. It’s busy, but also peaceful,” Tong said.
Shopkeeper Andrew McQuaid said that Passenger has been welcomed into the community. “It was easy to visualize ourselves in this space. We feel like we’re already well integrated into the fabric of this corner, and really appreciate the neighbors,” he said.
Passenger is social media-free, and Tong is reluctant to categorize the store. Instead, he encourages customers to come in for a unique experience. “We find that putting language to something almost reduces it. We’re far more interested in people coming in here and learning for themselves what the store actually is. We want to be authentic and candid,” he said.
“On the retail side, it’s very easy and simple. If you call our number, we answer the phone. It feels very personal and not generic. We’re the opposite of a big box retailer.”
Items in the store are designed to enhance the sensory experience you have with daily life objects. “We give you the opportunity to touch, smell, and explore the products themselves, and create an atmosphere where people feel human. You sense the calm, enjoy a conversation, and think about where there is an opportunity to be more mindful and intentional about the things we have alongside us. That’s one idea of the ‘passenger,’” McQuaid explained.
Passenger carries a small but purposeful selection of products sourced from East Asia, particularly Japan and Korea. Tong, who is Chinese, has established meaningful relationships with Asian artists, and typically goes on two buying trips a year. “I choose from a strong network of makers, and there are so many out there. You have to learn how to pick the ones that work for your store. Materials are important to me, and I am drawn to wood, metal and solid clay. In terms of aesthetics, I look for items that aren’t too trendy or cutesy,” he said.
The simplicity and quality of the products make them unique, in a world where more is often thought of as better. “Our society is burdened with abundance and consumption, and everyone has too many things. Everything here has to be awesome, or we won’t carry it. Our incense is subtle, not heavy or perfumy. In a mug for your tea, the design is fantastic, it elevates the texture of your drink, and it’s a daily pleasure that helps you mentally and physically,” Tong said.
A collection of paper sheets hangs from one wall, and Tong said this unique wrapping personalizes any gift giving experience. “The presentation of a gift is a message that says ‘I love and appreciate you.’ These sheets are handmade, and hand dyed in Japan. It shows how thoughtful you are.”
Other specialty products include dish towels, wash cloths and even socks made of cotton and paper. “A lot of socks are made from polyester, which doesn’t absorb well and is harmful to your skin. And they’re cheaply made, so you wear them for a month and throw them away, contributing to overconsumption and waste. These are all natural, at least 20% more absorbent and designed to last,” Tong said.
Handmade and handbound journals are functional as well as inspiring. “We designed the journals with a family-owned maker in Osaka, and they’re only available here in Evanston. It opens flat, so it’s easier to use. The beauty and simplicity encourages you to write things down and have a tactile experience,” said Tong.
As another nod to the name, the ceiling is adorned with metal passenger pigeons, which Tong said represent the shrinking paper-making industry. “The pigeons are no longer around, and the paper-making industry is shrinking. Today, the younger generation usually goes to big cities to do modern jobs, and their parents and grandparents are left making paper in small towns. Putting a store here is a way to support them and keep the craft going, so hopefully handmade paper won’t turn into passenger pigeons,” he said.
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