You’ve GOT to meet Robbie and Fannie Weinberg. Mainstays of Midtown, the Weinberg family founded Eclectic Eye and have been heavily involved in local real estate for years. Now, as the creative mother-daughter team behind the new retail spot Paradox at PeCo, Robbie and Fannie are breathing even more life into the neighborhood. Open just in time for holiday shopping season, Paradox at PeCo promises “oddities, lagniappes, curiosities, and rarities that transcend an everyday experience into something extraordinary.”
Get to know our newest FACES of Memphis, Robbie and Fannie Weinberg, and take a look inside Paradox!
Tell us about your relationship to the South — are you both Memphis natives?
Robbie: We are proud Memphis natives. I was born and raised in this neighborhood, and we raised Fannie and her brother here, too. This store is an homage to Midtown. It’s my chance to give back. We have witnessed such a rebirth of this area that is invigorating in every way. Paradox at PeCo is intended to add to it.
What inspired the concept of Paradox at PeCo?
Robbie: Paradox at PeCo marries two of my specialties and passions, per se — I studied art history but have spent my adult life as a business owner, namely founding Eclectic Eye with my husband, Dr. Michael Weinberg. We have managed a growing real estate portfolio on South Cooper, including the homes of Eclectic Eye, Paradox at PeCo, and Bari Ristorante. When our State Farm tenant shared he was retiring last year, it felt like the right time to introduce this concept — the space had always demanded a unique and beautiful experience. It has been our dream to activate this beloved corner in a way that benefits the streetscape and neighborhood.
Fannie: My family had dreamed of a mysterious and beguiling retail concept for Memphis for a while. Our creative mood board for what is now Paradox at PeCo had been spinning in our heads throughout the pandemic, especially, and the timing felt perfect for bringing it to life.
From the ambiance to the offerings on the shelves, what can shoppers expect at Paradox?
Robbie: I want shoppers to be curious — to wander through, take their time, pick up items and ask themselves, “What is this? And why have I never seen something like this before?” Our goal has been to create and constantly reformat a space and experience that Memphians and visitors have yet to see. The environment is an invitation to deepen our customers’ own sense of exploration and excitement in this journey we are all on together.
Fannie: It’s impossible to pinpoint exactly what we carry, but you can expect complete intrigue and a thoughtful array of products for any style of shopper. The space is moody, inspiring, and totally unique. We update our displays daily. We love that our products carry stories of their own through 120 vendors from around the world, from ceramicists in Ukraine to textile artists in Peru.
As mother and daughter, what’s it like working together?
Robbie: I love it. I feel lucky that this opportunity allows us to continue our relationship on a different level. It’s a sneak peek into her adult world that I’d never get otherwise. It’s challenging and healing in some ways to me, too. The store reflects the dynamic between us — we come from the same background but with different perspectives and vantage points. They converge beautifully through the unique treasures in our store.
Fannie: It’s just flat-out cool. It’s nice having someone to work with whom you trust. We’ve had a lot of fun and are learning together every day.
What product lines or specific holiday gift items are you most excited to stock this season?
Fannie: Our coffee table books are pretty awesome. I’m also very excited about our restock of Mytho Menagerie framed insects and butterflies — they’ve been flying off the walls since we opened.
Robbie: Every item is designed to be a treasure, whether for you or someone on your list. And every day, I have a new favorite. I will leave it at that!
The store just opened in mid-October. Are you already dreaming up what’s next for Paradox? If so, what do you imagine for the future of the shop?
Fannie: We opened right at the beginning of retail’s busiest season, and we haven’t skipped a beat. What I love most about our shop, even in the craziest of times, is that it serves as this calming, inspiring retreat. There’s something magical about our environment that instantly prompts shoppers to slow down, look around, and be at ease — even connect with one another. It’s such a beautiful environment that we’re excited to foster for a long, long time.
What are your favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and relax in Memphis?
Robbie: We love Bari Ristorante, The Gray Canary, and Salt + Soy for an excellent cocktail and meal. India Palace holds a special place in our hearts. Shopping-wise, I love Stock & Belle, City & State, and Diane’s.
Fannie: I always enjoy Good Fortune and Cameo cocktail bar. The Mud Island dog park and Greenbelt Park by the river have become a favorite Sunday routine.
What are your go-to sources of inspiration?
Robbie: Artists inspire me. I love witnessing their creativity, watching their process, and appreciating their end product. To now have a space that holds the work of so many talented artists makes my daily work a total inspiration.
Fannie: Travel is a huge source of inspiration for our family. We love to explore dense urban neighborhoods with retail and restaurants, from New Orleans to Chicago to abroad.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Robbie: The best piece of advice that I have especially leaned into the last few years is that I don’t have to control or be consumed by all the things happening in our world. This doesn’t mean I am not civically engaged or living under a rock. My job is to love my very imperfect self enough that I reflect that love back to others I encounter. That’s it. That’s the best I can do.
The healing of the self is the key to loving all of our families, friends, neighbors, brothers, and sisters. Healing myself has made Paradox at PeCo a reality. You might even find out a bit about my journey if you visit Paradox.Â
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Robbie: Our pets, journaling, and the four seasons — spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Fannie: Good Fortune dumplings, a good rain storm, and my dog.
All photography provided by Paradox at PeCo.
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Get to know more inspiring FACES of the South at our FACES archives!
