The Filling Station Goods & Gifts
Nestled along Benicia’s charming First Street, The Filling Station Goods & Gifts feels like a breath of small-town joy with a modern twist. Bright and welcoming, the shop invites locals and visitors alike to linger, discover, and connect. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful gifts, cheerful home goods, and boutique finds that reflect both personality and heart. It’s the store where community comes first and every item feels handpicked with care.
From Dreaming Big to Doing Big
For owner Kristin De Mers, opening The Filling Station was more than a business decision; it was a calling inspired by a moment of clarity. “I had been reading Bob Goff’s Dream Big during Covid and knew that I wanted to open my own business, but I didn’t know what it would be,” Kristin shares. “Then in 2021, the last gift shop in our town closed. I knew at that moment that it was the business I would open.”
With more than a decade of wholesale experience in boutique-quality children’s clothing, Kristin saw an opportunity to bring her expertise to what she affectionately calls ‘the other side of the table.’ From there, everything just fell into place, as if it was meant to be.
The Power of Shopping Local
For Kristin and her customers, Shop Local is more than a trend. It’s a shared value that fuels connection and pride. “To our customers, Shop Local means keeping our dollars in town and away from the big boxes and e-tailers,” she explains. “It’s refreshing to hear them talk about how they make a conscious choice to shop with us first before looking outward.”
That sense of community also extends beyond her own walls. Kristin partners closely with nearby retailers, including her “biz bestie” about ten miles away. They support one another. “We refer customers back and forth all the time. I just love that! It’s about lifting each other up.”
Lessons from the Journey
When asked what she’s learned since opening, Kristin doesn’t hesitate:
“Stay in your lane, do what you do well, and don’t worry about the competition — because it’s not competition. There’s enough market share to support multiple similar businesses, and it’s actually better for everyone if there are more of us. It drives commerce to our city and creates camaraderie among business owners.”
It’s a philosophy rooted in abundance, not fear, that shines through in the warmth of her shop and the relationships she’s built along the way.
Buying with Heart
Kristin’s buying decisions are based on three factors: knowing her customers, understanding price points, and trusting her rep relationships. Her thoughtful approach ensures every item on her shelves resonates with her shoppers in style and story.
A Rep Who Goes the Extra Mile
That connection is especially strong with her Road Runners rep, Sharon Woulf.
“Sharon and I have an extraordinarily special relationship,” Kristin says. “I shop Road Runners first because of Sharon. Having a rep come alongside you like she has is a game-changer. She knows my store, customers, and me and is always there to help. I’ve never had a rep pour so much into me and encourage me and my business as Sharon has. She’s really a special person.”
Facts About The Filling Station
Opened: March 17, 2023
Square Footage: 1100 sq feet
Employees: 4
Fun Fact: Their building was originally a barber shop in the late 1800’s and you can still see the tacks on the floor from where the barber chair and mat were.
Website: thefillingstationgoods.com
Social: Follow along on Instagram and Facebook
Top RR Brands: Zootility, Splendid Iris, The Darling Effect, Snifty
Address: 828 First Street | Benicia, CA 94510