Built upon the foundation of family and loyalty to their Celtic roots, three generations have nurtured Celtic Crossroads NW over its 16 years in business and through the first year on Bainbridge Island.
“What started as a way to bring a piece of our heritage to the Pacific Northwest has grown into something much bigger,” says owner Debbie Sonandre. “We’re proud of where we come from, and we want to share that with others while supporting small, family-owned businesses overseas.”
Celtic Crossroads serves as a bridge between cultures, a place where craftsmanship and heritage come together to create something special.
Both Bainbridge and Port Townsend locations offer customers a unique shop run by Sonandre, her husband, her parents and her sister’s family. Together, they’ve built a business that reflects their passion for Celtic culture and community, sourcing high-quality goods from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Cornwall.
One of the core values at Celtic Crossroads is ethical sourcing and sustainability. The store works with more than 60 small vendors from across the Celtic nations – 30 from Ireland, 28 from Scotland, three from Wales and one from Cornwall. These vendors focus on sustainable practices, ethical production and preserving traditional methods of craftsmanship.
“We’re committed to supporting artisans who care about their craft and their communities,” Sonandre says. “At trade shows in Dublin and Glasgow, we meet with our vendors in person to see, feel and ensure the quality of the products we bring to our customers.”
These relationships help Celtic Crossroads maintain a carefully curated selection of authentic goods. From fine wool scarves and hand-knitted sweaters to rare jewelry, each item in the store reflects the rich traditions of the Celtic regions. Beyond the standard offerings, Celtic Crossroads also provides custom-made products.
“We love collaborating with customers on custom orders,” Sonandre says. “Whether it’s a hand-tailored kilt, a tweed coat, or a special design for a university or sports team – like the Seahawks or Kraken – we work closely with our suppliers to make it happen.”
Given the craftsmanship involved, especially for kilts and tweed coats, customers are advised to place custom orders at least six months in advance for events such as weddings.
As Celtic Crossroads continues to grow, their mission remains rooted in family, tradition and community.
“It’s about more than just selling products,” Sonandre says. “We’re helping people connect with their heritage and, in many cases, creating something truly personal that they’ll cherish for a lifetime.”
Visit seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 380 Winslow Way E and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Port Townsend at 2205 E Sims Way. Find them online at celticcrossroadsnw.com, by phone at 360-344-2123 and by email at info@celticcrossroadsnw.com