“Think Globally, Act Locally” is a phrase usually equated with environmental, civic, education and fiscal issues. With public health and economic uncertainties suddenly front and center, it’s important to focus upon our local businesses. Through the simple act of shopping from your trusty neighborhood vendor, we can create a ripple effect that positively impacts our community. Here, we present a mere sampling of our many wonderful Milford businesses.
Artfish 42
42 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford
www.Artfish42.net
This boutique/gallery, which represents 12 artists and artisans from Milford and surrounding towns, runs under a co-op model. “We are 100 percent local; nothing manufactured, imported, or wholesale from gift shows,” says founder Meg Giannotti, who first opened Artfish 42 as a pop-up shop before settling into her Walnut Beach location. Giannotti is one of a dozen gallery artists, along with Sue Dangle, Alan Ruskis, Terri Tuazon, Trish Thompson, Sue Castelot, Glenn Tuazon, Helga Wuestefeld, Lynda Johnson, Helene Dignard, Susan O’Neill, and Rich DiCarlo. “We all work as a collective,” she explains. “You can come in and meet at least one of the artists…because we all sit, shop, or take some part in the day-to-day and special events.”
“What makes us different is not only the fact that we are local, but we mentor our artists on the business of art,” explains Giannotti. Another distinction is their attention to personalized service. “We have our virtual Shop at Home nights on Facebook live and have started our Art Concierge service to help curate an art wall for your home or business. If you need a piece to go over your sofa, we can help.”
Walnut Beach neighbor Kim Thompson has filled her house “with beautiful, meaningful pieces” from Artfish42. “We try to get in weekly. Everyone should stop in and buy their one-of-a -kind items.”
Bohemian High & The Grove
156 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford
Facebook: @Bohemianhigh
Although Bohemian High and its sister facility, The Grove, have only been on the Milford scene for three years, owners Richard and Gloria Krouch’s connection to their neighborhood is unwavering. “In our case, we also live within a few blocks of the shop,” says Richard Krouch. “Our money goes right back into our community. We’re members of The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, Gloria is a Chamber Ambassador, and I personally hand out Chamber directories in order to promote other local affiliated businesses.”
Richard and Gloria liken Bohemian High to “more of an experience,” featuring a selection of tie dye, batik, hippie-inspired clothing, handmade and new-age gifts, jewelry, decor, smoking accessories, CBD products, oils, extracts incense, crystals, and more. “Our most touted personal service is the education we provide on CBD products,” says Krouch. “It is important to understand the different types of CBD and know where it is coming from.”
Loyal customers, like fellow Milford business owner Francesca Guglin (HyperFit MD), “loves their merchandise” and appreciate their “personal synergy” with other local establishments. Sheri Malia and her daughter Summer Love are avid fans of their clothing. “We are a walking advertisement for them!”
“If you haven’t visited us, please stop by and say hello,” Krouch suggests. “We can always tell a first-time shopper, because when they walk through the door we hear, ‘Wow, there’s a lot to look at!’ We truly enjoy meeting new people and welcoming them to Milford.”
The Canvas Patch
5 River Street, Milford
“I think I’m the oldest established continually operated Milford business with the original owner,” says Marti Reed, long time proprietor of Milford’s iconic gift shop. “After 43 years at The Canvas Patch, I still love it! Especially being located so close to the Green, the harbor, and many historic spots. I’ve been around Milford for all the ups and downs, and despite current challenges I’m very hopeful.”
Reed’s confidence extends to helping the community in all ways. “Why shop at a big box store, when you can shop in a wonderful town like this?” she queries. “Locals supporting us makes a big difference,” Reed says, but also explains that, “visitors traveling by car, boat, and train purchase our biggest sellers—namely, our custom Milford memorabilia.” Also popular are year-round Christmas items, bags, hats, t-shirts, hostess gifts, nautical items, windsocks, and artwork by her daughter Susan Reed and others. “We have beautiful gift wrap free of charge, layaway, and special orders. We stock thousands of items, but you need to see for yourself. Just like our town, our inventory is always morphing and changing.”
Deja Vu Boutique
166 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford
Instagram: @shopdejavumilford
Erica Picarazzi is proud to be part of the “small family owned and operated women’s clothing boutique” that’s been operating since May 2012. Since “all three of my siblings and I have grown up in Milford,” Picarazzi says she recognizes why shopping local so very important. “It contributes to your community, helps local families financially, and there is a greater sense of fulfillment,” she says. “When you walk into a store in Milford, you get such a warm welcome…it’s like walking into a friend’s home.”
Picarazzi credits her customer service know-how to her father, who owned Milford’s Simply Kitchens for 30 years. “I make sure my customers feel comfortable, help them find something they feel beautiful and confident in, and line our shelves with items you won’t necessarily see in a big box store.” To achieve that, she selects apparel, accessories, and gifts to compliment her clienteles’ personal style. “You miss out on one-on-one interaction when you shop online,” she maintains. “I love being a part of the Milford shopping community. There is a real sense of camaraderie; everyone wants each business to succeed. That is a really cool thing to be a part of.”
Fleurescent
22 Broad Street, Milford
Fleurescentflowers.com
“Many of the shops in Downtown Milford, including my own, are woman-owned and operated, offering a boutique experience with eclectic selections of goods and services,” states Elizabeth Wecker. “If there is one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it is the importance of local availability of products and services.” Like her fellow Milford shopkeepers, Wecker does not hold back on her love of their shared community. “We truly love our customers, many of whom we consider to be good friends and have become part of our lives,” she says. “We have watched their kids grow from graduation to prom to marriage and been there for them during their most important times.”
Wecker knows her customers so well she “buys flowers in colors and varieties that we know our customers prefer.” In addition to stocking seasonally cut blooms, house plants, gifts, greeting cards, and providing custom floral arrangements for big and small events, Fleurescent offers weekly or monthly home-delivered flower subscriptions—all services, “that can’t be conveyed over the computer.”
The pandemic has resulted in more people sending flowers, “not only for birthdays and anniversaries, but now simply to say, (ital)‘I miss you and am thinking about you’,” says Wecker. Customers have purchased flowers for themselves to brighten their homes and spirits. “We’ve opted to keep our business small in order to provide personal service,” she maintains. “Sometimes, we can’t compete with the grocery stores on price, but we always win on quality!”
Gilded Lily Gallery
101 River Street, Milford
Gildedlilygallery.com
September marks 20 years since this multi-medium art gallery on River Street opened its doors. Resident artist and co-owner Rosemary Celon-Gordon’s intricate jewelry and sculpture is featured, along with art glass, jewelry, functional and decorative pottery, paintings, mixed media work, collages, mosaics, metal sculpture, garden art, and more from nationally recognized and local artists. Co-owner Barry Gordon, whose evocative landscape photography adorns the walls, employs Gilded Lily’s motto to describe their inventory: (ital)“Always Handmade, Always Unique.”
“What we would like your readers to know is when they walk through our doors, they’re entering a comfortable atmosphere filled with an eclectic mix of all things.” Like so many other small businesses in Milford’s Historic District, “there is no pressure and we encourage people to take their time and take in all we offer.”
Joe’s Carpet Sales & Service
495 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford
HYPERLINK “http://www.bargainnews.com/ct/2440/joescarpet.cfm” bargainnews.com/ct/2440/joescarpet.cfm
“My husband’s nickname was ‘Joe’ and he first named the business,” recalls Sue Jaser. “He ran it since 1968 and turned it over to me in 1999. It’s a real family-owned and operated store that’s been around for over 40 years—for two generations and counting!”
At Joe’s, customers can shop for carpet, area rugs, remnants, laminate, hardwood, tile, or linoleum for their residence or commercial space, bring in a rug for cleaning or repair, or browse the store’s selection for inspiration. “You name it we do it and we guarantee the work,” says Jaser. With four decades of success in the Milford community, the folks at Joe’s know the value of shopping local. “The Milford community supports each other,” says Jaser. “We encourage everyone to do business in our town. Our customers know this, and we appreciate them. We make them feel at ease and earn their trust, which really makes a difference.”
Milford Photo
22 River Street, Milford
Milfordphoto.com
All fourteen employees of Milford Photo are locals, “and I suspect they spend money and pay taxes locally too,” says Jesse Thompson, who co-owns Milford Photo with Jim Wilson. Thompson acknowledges that the landmark Beaux Arts building “is part of the appeal” of their business. Once inside, “people are surprised when they find out we do custom framing, archiving of old movies, pictures, slides, or video tapes. That’s a huge part of what we do and one of the busiest parts of the business post-quarantine.”
“Milford Photo is my only source of photography equipment but has also become my only source of custom framing,” says Rich Coyle of Rich in Memories, LLC. He rates their products, “10 out of 10” in all categories.
“As far as imaging we do just about anything, including banners, posters, canvas wraps, gifts, archiving services and film developing,” says Thompson. Their popular Learning Center classes, offered to photographers of every level and ability, are currently running online via Zoom. Thompson hopes customers will continue to appreciate Milford Photo’s concierge services, unmatched product access, and community commitment.
Miss Dallas’ Shop
16 Higgins Lane, Milford
Missdallasshop.com
“We are Milford’s little secret, located in an industrial section, a woman-owned and managed gift and consignment shop,” says Lynda Kilgore, who named her store ‘Miss Dallas’ after her beloved rescue German Shepard. Kilgore goes the extra mile to help customers “feel love, peace, and leave happier than when they arrived,” she says.
A browser’s paradise, the shop contains an eclectic mix of yard art, home accents, vintage handbags and jewelry, collectibles, antiques, and consigned items for the home and garden as well as items from local artisans. “If you are looking for something specific that is vintage/antique, we call you when that item arrives,” Kilgore notes. “You will be amazed at the amount of inventory we have.”
“Upon entering, you realize immediately that you will not be participating in a traditional shopping experience, but a treasure hunt,” says customer Lisa Welch. Fellow customer Ilene Bradbury raves about Lynda’s warmth and her “support of local talent.”
When shoppers ask Kilgore, “How did I not know you were here?”, she typically responds by citing the Miss Dallas’ motto: “You will walk in as a stranger, leave as our friend.”
Napoli Motors
240 Boston Post Road, Milford
Napolikia.com
Family-owned and operated since 1959, Mr. Leonard Napoli Jr. (Lenny to all) has been with the business since 1967 and became the principal/owner in 1990. What began as a single Pontiac dealership by his father Leonard Napoli Sr. has morphed the Napoli Motors Family of Dealerships. Encompassing two sprawling Post Road locations, Napoli Kia, Napoli Nissan, and Napoli Classic Cars (Napoli Indoor Auto Outlet), “offers for sale close to 700 cars, new and pre-owned, and we have an exclusive classic car department,” Napoli Jr. points out. “We service and maintain our customers’ automobiles through our certified repair facilities, offers affordable financing and leasing.”
Napoli takes great pride in his businesses’ involvement with many local charities and scholarships, and delights in his prime Milford location in proximity to other “Route 1 businesses and an amazing shoreline.” He’s equally confident about the ability of his onsite owners and staff, “to handle any situation.” He reports: “I have several employees that have been with the company for over 30 years.”
Ryan Tessier’s workplace enthusiasm for hasn’t waned throughout his 12 years as Napoli Motors office manager. “I can promise you, Leonard Napoli truly cares about his employees, the town of Milford itself, and the people that live here,” Tessier says.
Sophie Claire’s
22 Broad Street, Milford
Sophieclaires.com
Seven years ago, when Amy DiSabella was looking to open her shop, “Milford was THE ONLY town I considered as an option. Because of its history, charm and sense of community it’s the quintessential New England town, offering so many quaint shopping and restaurant options.”
Equally charming is Sophie Claire’s, “A small, woman-owned business in the truest sense; a chic boutique specializing in unique items for the Home + Her,” says Disabella. Sophie Claire’s has “fun with home décor” by filling the store with an eclectic mix of coastal, cottage style, shabby chic, farmhouse, modern, and vintage treasures for the home, fine gifts, fashion, and accessories. Sophie Claire’s also offers custom painted furniture and interior design services.
“My goal was to help customers create a lifestyle that is sophisticated, yet relaxed and easy…with the guarantee that each item is something that would never be found in any ‘big box’ or national chain, says Disabella. “Everything has been thoughtfully selected with the goal of offering the customer a connection to the Milford coast with items that reflect its relaxed seaside lifestyle.”
Vincent Jewelers
23 New Haven Avenue, Milford
Vincentjewelersmilford.com
“The unconventional stone provides a different experience and represent the better value.” This quote on the Vincent Jewelers website epitomizes this business’ essence. Situated just a semi-precious stone’s-throw from the Memorial Bridge and Milford Harbor, “all of our jewelry is one of a kind,” owner Vincent Hutter states. “My specialty are custom-made creations, with a contemporary flair designed either by me, or my son Aaron Hutter.”
The Hutters specialize in using gems and stones “featuring every color and shape” expertly mounted to evoke a “wow” statement. “The end result can be contemporary, elegant, with traditional themes, but always original,” Hutter points out. “Our customers won’t ever find comparable pieces in a mall.”
An artisan, master gemologist, and goldsmith, Hutter values the relationships he’s cultivated with clients, many of whom are repeat customers. It’s not unusual for someone to stop in for a repair or appraisal and walk out, “with something personal and special,” a veritable gem purchased from this gem of a downtown Milford jewelry store.
Whispers from Lady Olga
8 South Broad Street, Milford
Whispersfromladyolga.com
Co-owners Lori Vazzano and Jeniene Ferguson have been in their Milford business since 2006, and at their new Broad Street location since November 2019. “We considered relocating,” Vazzano says, “but in the end, we decided to stay in Milford. We are so happy with our decision mainly because of our loyal customer base.”
Women of all ages, shapes, and sizes shop at Whispers for an unparalleled selection of fine intimate apparel, bridal lingerie, foundations, elegant sleepwear, loungewear, pants, tops, jackets, and accessories. Many post rave reviews following their personalized shopping experience. “Since we are expert/certified bra fitters, we customize every bra,” emphasizes Vazzano, “giving individual attention to each and every customer who walks through the door.” Special orders are placed every week to accommodate their clientele’s needs.
In addition to respecting customer privacy and fitting issues, Vazzano and Ferguson enjoy keeping up with the latest trends. “When we buy for Whispers, we know who our customers are and what they like,” she says. In fact, “Many gentlemen come every Christmas, anniversary, and birthday knowing I buy with their wives in mind.”
Wines & More
242 Boston Post Road, Milford
Winesandmoremilford.com
“We help our town celebrate community every day, and in every way we can,” says Jeff Wilson, a co-owner, with Corey Shoop, of Wines and More. “We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be an integral part of the fabric of our town.”
Family-owned and operated since 2005, Wines & More employs between 11 -14 team members, the majority of whom were raised and currently reside in Milford. “We strive to help strengthen our community by donating a considerable amount of time, products, and money to large and small charities, as well as numerous small fundraising activities for special causes,” says Wilson.
“We differentiate ourselves by taking tremendous pride in providing our guests with a ‘high-touch’ experience, consistently delivered by our friendly and knowledgeable team of experts. We stay on top of the trends to satisfy customers’ wishes.” By cultivating strong industry relationships, the team “procures special and often rare bottles of interesting, professionally curated wines, spirits, beer, and vast selection of seltzers and non-alcoholic beverages.”
Wilson cites examples of how the More in Wines & More is taken seriously: “By listening to our community, we expanded our boutique collections beyond traditional barware. To celebrate Milford’s history, we commissioned an artist to custom-design iconic images of Milford and Charles Island, which are featured on our canvas wine and tote bags and stone coasters—and more! To celebrate Milford’s casual, stylish lifestyle, SCOUT coolers and beach bags can be filled to order and delivered to your home or gift recipient.” They also stock BrüMate drinkware, which employs innovative technology to keep beverages perfectly chilled.
Primarily, Wilson takes comfort knowing that Wines & More shares the same goals as other local business owners. “We employ local workers and serve local consumers.” To Wilson, that translates as the Wines and More team being “less likely to leave and more invested in our community’s welfare and future.”
