Ida Redis a store dedicated to everything Oklahoma, featuring handmade work by dozens of local artists and screen printers, and local sales reps with items unique to Tulsa's spirit.
Since its establishment in 2008, the store's focus has been spreading joy, a sentiment that rings true now more than ever for shop owner Angelene Wright.
"Its been a real struggle for Ida Red, and so many of my other small business friends, just to try to still exist when this is all over," Wright said. "But we are all in this together, and that's personal for me."
The store stocks hundreds of items from earrings, stickers and beanies to gimmicky t-shirts, candies, kids books, and family games.
To abide by the City of Tulsa COVID-19 safety restrictions, Wright had to temporarily close the Ida Red in downtown Tulsa, located at 208 North Main Street, and convert the store in Brookside, located at 3336 South Peoria Avenue, to an online order packing site for shipping and curbside pick up. To stay safe, there are only about two employees in the store at a time.
"Its tough because they are so great, they are like family," said Wright. "I have had to furlough some employees but I’m trying to keep the ones going, that are still here, safe."
The store used to only sell a handful of items online, but that has drastically changed.
"Previously, we mostly focused on the in-person experience, but we have been shifting totally to online ordering," Wright said. "The process of employees putting items up online every day also helps keep them working."
In true Ida Red style, one of the featured items is giving joy and hope in two ways.
"We have this 'Okie Nurse' mug, and it's just a small token of how much we love that community," Wright said. "The healthcare workers are the first line of defense in this crisis."
Wright say 100 percent of the proceeds from the sales of the mugs are going to the Tulsa Area COVID-19 Response Fund, created by the Tulsa Community Foundation and Tulsa Area United Way.
"It can spread joy in two ways because it can hopefully make a nurse smile as they receive it as a gift, and it goes to our community members in need," Wright said.
The mugs are available online to be shipped, or for curbside pick-up at the Brookside location. To buy one, click here.
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