The Sample House/Corp. Offices

The Sample House is a gift and candle retailer in Dallas that has been in business since 1958, when Foster and Nancy Poole founded it on Routh Street. Its shelves carry candles, gifts and home decor, with hand-picked finds for each season and new products added every month. Shoppers often mention the candles and the friendly staff.

The business is still run by the Poole family, and the shop aims for a relaxed, unhurried browse. People who would rather not hunt for parking can phone in an order through the concierge service and allow at least an hour for it to be gathered. Seven stores serve the greater Dallas area, and the stores keep shorter hours on Sundays.