Main St. Cottage reopened its doors on Saturday, September 7. Having been closed for about a month for renovations, the freshly painted, newly stocked store had a better than expected opening. Previously owned by Debbie Curran Galife, the transition in ownership is one example of how being in the right place at the right time can really help launch a dream.
In May of this year, Galife had texted a friend and customer, Verona resident Lynn Serra, to say she was looking to sell the store. While ownership was not in Serra’s plans, she forwarded that message to Donna Ciccolini, a frequent customer of Main Street Cottage and lifelong Verona resident. After some remodeling, painting, and shopping, Ciccolini opened her doors with a store full of fall- and Verona-themed items.
“We took several trips to Pennsylvania to stock the shelves,” Ciccolini said. Her main supply comes from Lancaster, Pa., but she doesn’t choose her products alone. Accompanied by Serra, the two women leave Verona with two empty vans and return with them full.
Aside from the hand-crafted pieces displayed on the walls and shelves, Ciccolini is also offering several Verona-themed items. “I didn’t want to take away from the competition in town,” Ciccolini said. In an effort to offer different products from pieces already in stores in town, Ciccolini sought out original work and ideas from artists she found on Etsy. In addition to the pieces already adorning the shelves, Ciccolini will also work with these artists for  individually personalized pieces.
With three successful Tricky Tray fundraisers under her belt, the transition to owning a local retail store is perfect for Ciccolini. “It feels great to be back in the workforce and to talk with and see people every day,” she said. Ciccolini looks forward to developing new relationships with her customers and offering a personal touch in their shopping experience.
You can find Main St. Cottage at 678 Bloomfield Avenue, between the Verona Diner and the Post Office. Ciccolini has set up a page on Facebook, or you can email the store at mainstreetcottage1 (at) yahoo (dot) com. The store phone number is 973-571-0800 and it is open at 10 a.m. every day except Sunday and Monday. Closing is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; it’s 7 p.m. on Thursday and 3 p.m. on Saturday.
