FARMINGTON – A new shop downtown and its neighbors are celebrating with a ribbon cutting ceremony, goodies and specials on Saturday.
Front St. Merchantile, a mix of new things, antiques, home decor items, gently used children’s clothing, art supplies and many other things, opened up next to the Up Front & Pleasant Gourmet shop last week. A ribbon cutting with Franklin County Chamber of Commerce members will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday to celebrate the shop’s opening start.
The shop’s owner Christine Geisser is no stranger to downtown’s retail business nor antiques.
She owned an antique shop on Broadway a few years ago and, more recently, a weekend antique shop in what is now Stone Hearth Café across from her current location. She’s worked in the antique business for a decade and when the Front Street building’s owner Nina Gianquinto of Up Front & Pleasant, asked about opening up next to her shop, she jumped at the chance.
“It seems like a nice fit,” Geisser said.
Help with the shop comes from Tom Saviello of Wilton, who with Geisser picks out the antiques, along with a few vendors that include Earl Martin of Chesterville, an antique glass expert; Sally Tyler, who supplies “girly girl” children’s clothing, cottage and shabby chic decor items and Tricia Johnston’s children’s wares and gifts. Johnston will be opening up her own shop in Wilton in August called Village Affaire.
Geisser said she wants a good mix 0f things at her shop so she can offer something for everyone. “We’ll keep things vibrant and see what people like.”
Already a known favorite of all ages are the bins of nostalgic candy she carries. Formerly known as penny candy, “it’s popular with the little ones,” Geisser said smiling.
Saturday’s ribbon cutting with the Chamber will include lots of fun things to try and raffles. Free rock candy, a raffle will be held for a sled, and another raffle winner will get a certificate at the Stone Hearth Café with a $20 purchase. Handmade tarts from My Pie baker Marjorie Cormier of Chesterville will be available for sampling. Next door at Up Front & Pleasant Gourmet is offering free samples, 10 percent off storewide, and a raffle. Two doors down, Chickadee’s Nest will have 10 percent off soap and a door prize, too.
Front Street Merchantile is located at 155 Front Street in Farmington. The shop is open Thursdays 10-5, Fridays 10-5, Saturdays 10-2. Geisser said to watch for the flag flying on many afternoons from 2:30-5 pm. when she will also be at the shop. For more information visit: www.frontstmerchantile.com.
This is definitely a fun shop with something for tastes of all kinds. Best of luck!
I think that The Chickadee’s Nest and Up Front and Pleasant Gourmet are hidden little jewel’s and offer some of the best things around that are hard to find. The Front St. Merchantile sounds like a good match for the other stores. Best wises and good luck in your new venture.
Good luck Christine. We can’t wait to visit.
Best wishes for a successful endeavor!