Two new retail businesses open their doors in Verona

Mar 18, 2010

Heather Fox and Nicole Van Camp recently opened their side-by-side retail gift stores in Verona

Newly opened on Main Street in Verona are two side-by-side retail gift stores that occupy what was once the former auto parts store.

The building, owned by Chad and Nicole Van Camp of Verona who also own Rona Hardware, is now the home of "Nicole’s", a home and garden gift store. Next door and also just opened for business is the Main Street Mercantile and Tea Room, operated by Heather Fox of Godfrey.

For both ladies the businesses represent a dream come true and a foray into the retail gift market, which judging by the steady flow of customers last Saturday afternoon is attracting the attention of many local shoppers.

The stores share an entranceway and are connected through a side door. They offer shoppers an eclectic array of old and new world giftware.

Nicole has filled her store with new home and garden items that include garden décor, tools and planters, a line of gourmet food items by Rootham‘s and Summer Kitchen, as well as local crafts and a selection of gift ware that includes alpaca throws, functional ceramics, picture frames and other gifts perfect for every occasion.

Prior to opening the gift store Nicole had been working with her husband Chad at Rona Hardware. She said, “This new business is something we had been thinking about for a while and it is really much more my cup of tea so when the lease here ran out here I thought- now is the time to make a go of it.”

She admits there are challenges that come with starting up any new business and says, “Finding the things that people really want will be a challenge and I also hope to sell items by local artisans which will keep things fresh and new.”

Next door Heather Fox is tending to her customers amid her collection of antique gift ware and furniture that she has been acquiring at auctions for over a decade.

In the centre of the store are two tables set up for customers who might want to enjoy a hot beverage, a snack of homemade soup or chili or a yummy dessert.

Prior to taking on her own business Heather worked at Jitterbugs in Verona for two years and sold her collectibles on commission there.

Now Heather has a place to display her entire collection, which includes a wide array of antique colored glassware, teapots, ceramics, teddy bears and dolls, baskets, used books and various antique furniture pieces including hutches, dressers, side tables, and china cabinets.

For Heather it is her “dream come true. “I have been collecting items from auctions for years and was running out of room in my house. So this is just perfect for me.”

The two are planning an official grand opening on Saturday, April 24 where they will be offering door prizes and snacks. Until then their doors are open for business.