‘Ding’ Darling Opens New Lifestyles Store

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) has opened a branch shop to its flagship Refuge Nature Store at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

The new “Ding” Darling Lifestyles Store resides within the Home by Rachel Pierce shop at Heart of the Islands shopping center, 1626 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island. It opens Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and carries a stylish, elevated inventory of eco-friendly home accessories, jewelry, beach attire, and “Ding” Darling logo wear.

Same as the flagship store at the refuge Visitor & Education Center, all profits from the Lifestyles shop benefit conservation education, wildlife research, and habitat restoration at the refuge.

The Refuge Nature Store continues to carry nature-inspired books, clothing, jewelry, art, and other gifts, open Saturday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. DDWS also operates ShopDingDarling.com for 24/7 online shopping.

“We are so grateful for this partnership with Rachel as we regroup after Hurricane Ian destroyed our former Periwinkle Way shop,” said DDWS executive director Ann-Marie Wildman. “It gives us opportunities to expand our philanthropic retail offerings and in-store social events, such as our Grand Opening Sip and Shop on Friday, April 17. The public is invited from noon to 4 p.m. to become acquainted with our Lifestyles store. Rachel has graciously offered to donate 10 percent of her sales during that time frame.”

DDWS also disseminates information about the refuge from the Lifestyles Store to educate a different demographic about the importance of wildlife and conservation to the island lifestyle and identity.

ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org.