By Jeremy Smick and Samantha Caltagirone, a husband and wife team that owns Thick as Thieves.
On a snowy December night in 2016, huddled together in our cozy St. Louis home, we knew something had to change. It wasn’t an easy decision—leaving behind the life we had built, our close-knit circle of friends, family traditions, beloved neighborhood spots, and the comfort of the familiar. But something deeper was calling us—something wild, free, and full of potential.
We daydreamed our way through a list of places that had captured our hearts over the years—Austin, Nashville, Santa Fe. Each had its charm, but none felt quite right. Then, as fate would have it, an old Western movie marathon played in the background, the kind we’d always loved. As John Wayne galloped across the desert landscape in El Dorado, it hit us. The desert. That was it.
Palm Springs, with its golden light, rugged beauty, and offbeat charm, felt like a perfect match for two dreamers with dusty boots and a vision. We were already planning our wedding in the high desert just a few months away—it all aligned. Like modern-day cowboys chasing something more, we packed up everything we owned and headed west, ready to write the next chapter of our lives.
Crafted by Hoand, Inspired by the Past
Thick As Thieves was born from our shared love of old-world craftsmanship, storytelling objects, and the feeling of something well-worn and well-loved. From day one, we wanted to create more than just a shop—we wanted to build a space that felt like stepping into a story, where every piece has a soul.
We found a 1920s Spanish bungalow tucked away in Palm Springs and set to work restoring it—bringing it closer to what we imagined was its original spirit. Reclaimed wood, black iron shelving, and timeworn materials gave the space a rugged, masculine warmth. It became a place where desert meets Americana, where folk meets frontier.
Our aesthetic leans into the romance of the Old West, the grit of early settler mercantiles, and the quiet dignity of handmade goods. The shop’s atmosphere is a blend of lived-in texture and curated character—everything from the scent of the wood to the stories behind each item is intentional.
Heirlooms in the Making
Our store is filled with objects that are meant to be used, shared, and passed down—conversation pieces and future heirlooms. You’ll find a Hungarian workbench from the 1920s repurposed as our main table, a well-traveled biergarten set from Munich, an antique barber’s coat rack, a Victorian clothing stand, and even a turn-of-the-century enamel baby tub. Each element has its own history—and we believe that energy is felt the moment you walk through our door.
Every piece we carry is hand-selected, often handmade, and always crafted with care. We collaborate with local artisans and independent makers who share our respect for timeless design and quality materials. The result is a space that feels grounded and authentic—both a retail store and a place of inspiration.
A Place With a Pulse
In a town known for reinvention and creativity, we’ve carved out a space that feels uniquely our own. We believe that Palm Springs still carries the same pioneering spirit that first drew people to the desert decades ago. There’s magic here—an energy that comes from risk-taking, bold choices, and wide-open possibilities.
At Thick As Thieves, we want to offer a piece of that magic. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your town, or a traveler chasing something different, we hope our space feels like a little time capsule, filled with beauty, intention, and soul.
This isn’t just a shop—it’s a love letter to the desert, to craft, and to the stories we carry with us.
Thick As Thieves
183 S Indian Canyon Drive
(760) 832-8350