You might want to slow down a little bit more than usual as you approach the corner of Linn Drive on Monday: Essex Fells resident Nellie Criqui will be opening Nellie & Bean Mercantile in the old farmhouse that used to be Nature’s Corner.
As befits the building it is in, Nellie & Bean Mercantile is intended to be an old-fashioned country store with a twist. Most of the space will be dedicated to gifts, housewares and apparel. But Criqui has planned what she calls a “candy emporium” for the smaller section of the farmhouse, which will have candy, children’s gifts and pre-teen essentials, including care packages that can be shipped directly to camp. (The “Bean” in the store’s name is Criqui’s daughter Sabina, who personally reviews all the candy and kids items put up for sale.)
“I am trying to take things back to what stores once were, when people enjoyed local shopping over the big box stores,” Criqui says. “Where you could actually find friendly help from people who know the merchandise, where you could discover the perfect gift with that little something extra and where every purchase is wrapped beautifully and tied with a grosgrain ribbon.”
Nellie & Bean Mercantile is planning a relaxed opening on May 6. Criqui already has her business’ Facebook page running and plans to offer online shopping this summer. The store is located at 840 Bloomfield Avenue, which is at the point where Pine Street connects with Bloomfield. There is parking behind the store on Pine Street, or on Depot Street. Hours will be Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 3 p.m.[mappress mapid=”226″]
