Lined up alongside tourist shops, across the street from tulip stands, and in the mix with Pike Place Market’s most visited restaurants is Goorin Brothers Hat Shop, a family-owned, San Fran-based chain. Whether you’re looking for a practical cap to block the chill of winter or something a little more dandy and fabulous, Goorin Brothers is worth checking out. Their wide selection of traditionally crafted toppers inspires J.T. followers and Kate Middleton fans alike, and offers plenty in the way of vintage-styled throw-backs, too. Here, we meet Mary Jane Cha, manager of the Pike Place shop.

WWW: What song or album is playing on your store’s sound system right now?
Cha: Today, Nina Simone, Silk and Soul. It really depends on the day, though. Don’t put it past us to hear old school R&B, Prince to Fleetwood Mac, and King Khan. We definitely do not discriminate against any Motown and we’ve got a special place in our hearts for sappy acoustic stuff. You will not catch us playing Ke$ha or Miley Cyrus. Well, unless my assistant manager AJ is working.

What was your first job in retail? What did you love or hate about it and how does it compare to what you do now?
My first job in retail was at a beanbag chair store, I kid you not. It was called The Love Sac and it was everything I could have ever wanted in a job at 16 years old. After two years of selling $500 beanbag chairs, I realized it was time to move on. I loved the fact that it was started by a young guy and that he was very successful based on an idea that most people initially laughed at.

It’s hard to even compare my first job with Goorin Bros. Goorin is a family company that has been around since 1895. It is owned by the great grandson of Cassel Goorin and he has no plans of letting it go anytime soon. The most unique thing about this company is that you really feel like family. At any given time, if I want to speak with [the owner] about an idea or issue, he is just a phone call away. He is dedicated to bringing the hat back and I think as a whole, we are doing a great job. I love that we are a specialty shop with so much history.

What’s your favorite thing in the store right now?
Right now I love our American Made collection. My current favorite is the Out of Africa, a classic brushed wool cloche. I think the style is so classic and it really ties together an outfit. I love that we came out with two new colors and it looks great on anyone. Another favorite right now has to be my Harris Tweed newsboy cap. I love mixing feminine styles with a menswear look. This is more of my everyday look and nothing compares to Harris tweed! It’s super warm and so cute, just don’t be surprised if every other older gentleman on the street asks you where you got it. Last but not least, I love our hat boxes. My collection at home is getting a little out of control.

Where do you shop when you’re not at your store?
When I’m not at my shop, you can catch me supporting all of the wonderful local businesses in the area (while wearing a fancy hat, of course). My favorites have to be Winners Circle, Moksha on the Avenue, 35th North, and pretty much any restaurant with a happy hour. I can never say no to a deal at Goodwill, or when I’m feeling really fancy, I love a good day of antique shopping. Last but not least, hitting up the Fremont Sunday Market has become almost a weekly ritual. If you aren’t familiar, get on it! Great finds and they’ve always got something new. PS: The tacos are the JAM!

What do you love about your store’s neighborhood? What nearby restaurants, coffee shops, etc do you recommend?
I love being so close to Pike Place Market! I find even though I’ve got the widest range of foods at my fingertips, I tend to stay faithful to Michou. They have the best ‘sammies,’ salads and soups in the area! I am a big fan of Le Panier and for fish and chips, you have to try Jack’s Fish Spot! Caffé D’Arte does a mighty fine job of roasting coffee. I couldn’t be happier to be in this neighborhood! I even love the tourists that come in looking for the first Starbucks, seriously! I feel like First Avenue is a shopping district of its own that can sometimes get overlooked.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened in your store?
This is a tough one, since First Avenue has so much character. Every day something weird happens, whether it’s somebody having me take 25 photos of them looking dapper in our hats or newly married couples wandering in after having their photos taken at the market to play dress up. First Avenue is crazy and diverse and there is always something happening. Oh! Getting Conan O’Brien to try on every leather hat we have in the shop and a man coming in to look for a hat for his dog. There has been a lot of weirdness in the alley behind our shop as well; I’ll leave it at that.