The store, the myth, the legend...?
Last Sunday, we drove down to Coyoacan to check out the Terra Madre Day event being coordinated by the Slow Food folks in Mexico City. (See Lesley’s post for pics of the tasty food to be sampled!) On our way back, I insisted we stop at a crazy store that we passed en route, Galerias El Triunfo. We had walked by it many moons ago, which was the source of this gem of a photo. This time, my friend the golden calf had been replaced by Mr. Businesscow.
This guy was alll business. Well, except perhaps for his trendy leather man-bracelet on his front hoof. Even businesscows like to show their individuality.
Apparently there are 26 of these stores around Mexico, 15 in DF alone. This is the only location I recall observing, though you’d think the others would be easy enough to spot if they have any beacons like this in their parking lots:
I was excited to discover that one of my relatives lives in Mexico City.
Once we actually entered the store, our visit became closely akin to our trip to Centro Artesenal Buenavista– i.e. we dropped any pretense of even thinking about buying something & instead focused on taking juvenile photographs. :) Galerias El Triunfo seems to be a combo of home decor, holiday decor, and restaurant supply store. I personally felt that its name (loosely translated as “Triumph Galleries”) was overreaching a bit…. Perhaps something like “Galerias Shit-Show” would be a better fit?
In the Red Section, this subtle bald statue was on display... Perhaps this could be a fun coat-hanger in an entryway??
To be fair, there were actually some products I would consider buying… but they were hidden in your classic “diamond in the rough” scenario. Check out a few of the highlights below, and just let me know if you need anything overnighted to arrive by Christmas. 
John was very excited about this beer dispenser that we spotted... Brought back those wild days of electrical engineering parties back in college.
However, it paled in comparison to the full gas station, with THREE gas hoses for dispensing the beverage of your choice. What kid wouldn't be the most popular student in the dorms with one of these??
I felt that Galerias El Triunfo had some work to do on their visual merchandising practices...
...but they had all the chairs, plates, glasses, and crazily-oversized vases that a girl could ask for!
They were well stocked in the "Asian-themed" area... Definitely know where to go if I decide to open a Chinese restaurant here.
I was amused by the self-contained hanging seat with a couple leopards sharing a tender moment.
The wood discs covering the hanging ball in the previous photo were a common ingredient in the items for sale... Here we have a wood-disc covered reindeer being ridden by an elf
If the natural wood look isn't for you, consider a majestic silver buck standing on a faux-zebra settee.
More of a gold fan? There were golden geese galore, plus the random Donald-Duck's-head-on-a-goose-body-wearing-a-tuxedo piece de resistance...
Those looking for a more abstract, artsy piece will no doubt enjoy this "Woman's Chest Made of Gold Screws" for a mere $1000 dollars plus.
Again with the visual merchandising problems... A tub (wait, are we at Home Depot?) filled with a sculpture of a naked woman who's being stared down by multiple snowmen who have legs.
Finally, my favorite-- the life-sized plastic cactus coated with limp, rubbery spines. BTW, I think the artistic direction I'd just given John before taking this photo was "Look like you are being stabbed by a thousand cactus spines". Well executed, John, if I may say so myself.
If you too would like to get your photo taken with life-sized fake cattle, giraffes, or cacti, head on down to Tata Vasco #77 at the corner of Miguel Angel de Quevedo (the main street between San Angel & Coyoacan) in Colonia Santa Catarina. Better yet– go to one of the other locations & send me photos of the even WEIRDER crap you will probably find there. Happy shopping
on Dec 15th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Looks like Neverland Ranch!
on Dec 15th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
The girl of the golden screws reminded me that I should tell you my mother-in-law’s Golden Screw story.
on Dec 15th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I want a big fake cactus!
on Dec 15th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Love the looks of the place and have to go. I really some some things that I like!
on Dec 16th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Oooooh! We have one of those here in GDL! I loved that store. As an added bonus, I loved that all their statues were of women with generous hips. I’m figuring that I’ll have one of those mounted in the bedroom for self esteem issues. We’ll go visit that store again and post some pics of all the fun stuff. Glad you posted!
Happy Holidays!
p.s. what’s with the cow? I’ve been noticing quite a few.
on Dec 16th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
just found your blog while avoiding my spanish literature homework. i’ve gotta keep reminding myself that being able to simple things (like going shopping) is totally worth this mierda. thanks for the encouragement
!
on Dec 17th, 2009 at 11:25 am
I love that place. LOOVE. There are several in the city. I discovered that they have good prices on all your tableware needs in addition to the larger than life banana statues and plush tigers.
YAY!
on Dec 18th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I am obviously slow on the draw in finally visiting this store!!
Sarah– agreed, I didn’t get many pics of the actual tableware, but we were eyeing a few serving dishes & such
Adria– you’re totally right– being able to shop & go out to eat w/o fear of accidentally ordering animal innards makes all that Spanish worthwhile.
Melissa– I look fwd to the photo expose of the Guad store!! More cows, more better- remember, I’m from the midwest.
on Dec 20th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
If only I had a light fixture with red monkeys hanging off it for my dining room… hint, hint!
on Jan 8th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
I pop into that store on Miguel Angel de Quevedo now and again when I have an hour or so to kill. It’s all so 80’s, but just fabulous!