The Dande’ Lion

by

Business

Whether you know Joan, Joann or Joanne Long, you know The Dande’ Lion.

The store was founded in 1969 by Joan Conzelman Long (pronounced “jo-ann”) in English Village and a few years later moved to its current location in Mountain Brook Village. Her daughter, Joann, would take over the store 19 years later when Joan passed away, and now Joann’s niece Joanne, 26, is learning the trade. With each generation, a letter has been added to the name, but the store’s stock of classic furnishings and personable service has remained constant. 

“[The Dande’ Lion] spans the generations in Mountain Brook now,” Joanne said. “People who knew my grandmother shop here, people who know [Joann] shop here, and now my friends are getting married and coming in. It has helped it still be here for 45 years.”

The store is celebrating its 45th anniversary this month with special festivities planned for June 2-7.

“We really want to say thank you to all our customers,” Joann said.

On Thursday, June 5, there will be an open house open to the public with food and drinks to celebrate during extended hours until 8 p.m. Each day that week a different item will be 20 percent off: Monday is wrapped wedding gifts, Tuesday silk flowers and fruit, Wednesday lamps, Thursday urns and vases, Friday place mats and table runners, and Saturday collegiate items. 

The store’s selection of home décor, antiques, furniture, tableware, china and serving pieces make it a destination for gifts for weddings, graduations, baby showers and any other occasion. Joann said many people come in for their selection of lamps or bookends or for specific items such as Buyer’s Choice Carolers collectibles. The store offers registries, free gift wrap and delivery of wedding presents in the surrounding area.

Joanne and her sisters, Martha and Elizabeth, all Mountain Brook High School graduates, grew up helping at The Dande’ Lion after school and holidays, always working with their aunt on Christmas Eve.

She has recently introduced the store to Facebook and Instagram and hopes to have a website in the next year.

Often they have customers come in thinking they won’t find the specialty item they are hunting, only to be pleasantly proven wrong. Joann recalled one woman who came in looking for artichoke plates and special dishes for eggs like her father had had, and lo and behold, The Dande’ Lion had both. 

“She went out very happy,” Joann said. “If we don’t have it, 99 percent of the time we know where to find it.”

Twenty-six years after her mother’s death, Joann said Joan would be shocked if she walked in the store today because of how the market has changed, but not by the selection in the store.

“Mother loved classic things that are timeless,” Joann said. “Our tastes are compatible. Even as a four-year-old, I could pick out clothing that matched Mother’s style.”

Today Joann — and Joanne — work by many of Joan’s mantras. She always said to buy things you personally like because you can sell them, and she always said love what you do or leave it, that there is no in-between. And anyone who comes into the shop looking for a gift can see it.

“You are not expected to help yourself,” Joann said. “We are happy to give you ideas and help you make a selection.”