Urban Burg Eclectic Saves Waste With Funky, Recyclable Products

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — After working in corporate retail for 23 years, David Weston, 58, owner of Urban Burg Eclectic Home Decor & Gifts, is happier in interactions with local residents, and appreciates their loyalty.

"That's what got us through COVID ... is St. Pete, and our customers are really loyal to small businesses, restaurants, and they really came out in full force last year once we were reopened for business (after the statewide pandemic shutdown from March 17 through May 4)," Weston said in a Patch interview.

Urban Burg Electric moved into the former space of the St. Pete ArtWorks on Central Avenue about two months ago from a few blocks away, 2430 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Weston's store has an eclectic mix of Zen items, cards, soy scented candles, bracelets, art, handmade soaps and humorous creations like dish towels that feature sayings, "I Love You To The Fridge And Back," and "Don't Go Bacon My Heart."

"When people walk in, they'll get a chuckle, a laugh, and they'll just feel good in the store. The music just supports the nice, little relaxing Zen vibe."

On a Saturday at the beginning of June, Weston said his first customer of the day made him smile when he told him how happy he was to be visiting St. Pete from Tallahassee, and to feel inclusive in the city.

"I had a nice trans person, and he was down here for Pride Month, and he just loved St. Petersburg because of our community vibes, and again, the nice eclectic mix where we all mesh together. Ironically, I mentioned to him that I ordered these Pride buttons, and two of them say, 'TransRights,' 'TransPride," so I gave him a couple. I enjoyed his story, and him visiting the store."

He also likes to support eco-friendly products such as earthy, grounding bracelets he carries in his store made by a women's arts organization in Vietnam, where a portion of the proceeds goes back to help their community. Many other items for sale at the shop give a portion of proceeds back to women's organizations such as those that help women recover from abusive situations or those who are poverty-stricken.

"More and more products are becoming available that are sustainable, zero wastes, upcycle, recycle, vegan, all of those things," Weston said. "So when we go to market in Atlanta, we look for those kinds of things.'"

Urban Burg Eclectic Home Decor & Gifts

• Address: 2412 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
• Hours: Open Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and closed Mondays.
• Contact: For more information about Urban Burg, visit its Facebook page.