Sign of the Arrow
For nearly 50 years, Sign of the Arrow (9814 Clayton, 314-994-0606) has been trying to save the world, one stitch at a time. The needlepoint shop, which got its start in 1966 as a philanthropic mission of the St. Louis Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi, relies on the efforts of dozens of volunteers, as all of its proceeds support an array of local nonprofits. Throughout its lifetime, the shop has raised more than more than $3.5 million for nearly 200 local charities.
Due to its popularity, Sign of the Arrow recently relocated to a larger location, a block and a half west of its former location in Ladue. General manager Julie Filean says the new space allows the shop to display needlepoint work on the walls in the same way artwork would be presented. In addition to a full assortment of gifts and home accessories, the shop sells needlepoint canvases, custom designs, and fibers. It also hosts trunk shows and conducts classes for all ages.
Filean is proud of Sign of the Arrow’s philanthropic philosophy. “Not many retail stores have the sole purpose of giving back to their community,” she says, adding that she appreciates the fact that the store’s contributions aren’t limited to one cause.
“Everything about this store and what it does is exciting,” she says, “and we get to see how it helps so many different needs.”
