You Are Here Ornament – Pike Place Market
As you probably know, the You Are Here collection for Pike Place Market included two full-size mugs: the regular version and a Christmas edition, along with a Christmas ornament. What was missing, however, was a regular ornament matching the original design. Thanks to a recent find from a private collector, we now know that Starbucks did in fact plan such an ornament, but for reasons unknown, it never reached mass production. It is impossible to say how many samples were made or how many have survived, which makes this prototype an especially rare and valuable piece for collectors.
You have an opportunity to buy it directly from a collector by reaching out to them at sourgummies2026@gmail.com or their online store
The You Are Here Ornament – Pike Place Market Prototype follows the same understated visual language as the regular full-size mug. The palette is dominated by soft blue, gray, brown, and white, giving the design a calm, almost rainy Seattle atmosphere. Compared with many brighter You Are Here releases, this one feels unusually restrained and fits the character of the Pacific Northwest very well.
– The original Starbucks store at 1912 Pike Place is one of the most important elements in the design. Opened at this location in 1976 after Starbucks moved from its first store nearby, it has become one of the most visited Starbucks locations in the world. The storefront still retains its historic appearance, including the old-style signage that distinguishes it from modern Starbucks stores.
– The Pike Place Market reference appears prominently around the design. Established in 1907, the market is one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States and remains one of Seattle’s best-known attractions. Its stalls, shops, restaurants, craftspeople, and historic buildings have made it an essential part of downtown Seattle for more than a century.
– The rain clouds and raindrops add a playful reference to Seattle’s famously wet reputation. Although the city’s rainfall is not necessarily as extreme as people sometimes imagine, gray skies and frequent light rain have become firmly associated with Seattle’s image and fit naturally into the mug’s muted color scheme.
– The remaining market buildings and urban shapes create a simplified view of the neighborhood surrounding Pike Place Market. Rather than focusing on a long list of separate landmarks, the design captures the atmosphere of the area through storefronts, signs, rooftops, and the familiar mix of old market architecture and downtown Seattle.
What makes this prototype especially interesting is how complete the concept already seems. It clearly belonged alongside the regular Pike Place Market mug, yet for some reason Starbucks decided not to proceed with the ornament. Finding one today gives us a rare glimpse into another design that came surprisingly close to becoming part of the official You Are Here collection.
