Kerry Ducey shows some of the many unique housewares, furnishings, jewelry, chocolates and other merchandise available at Downtown Charm.
By Pamela Fisher
The owners of Downtown Charm have had an eventful first year. The gift shoppe opened in December 2011 in the lower level of the Colvin Building, but later moved to 206 Glen St., a space previously occupied by Dog Ate My Homework. According to gift shoppe owners, sisters Kerry Ducey and Alissa Bevivino, having a Glen St. storefront helped draw in new customers. The customers keep returning because of the store’s fun events and their blend of contemporary and vintage-inspired gifts.
“We love when a customer says her grandmother owned an item similar to what we carry in our store,” stated Ducey, who also works in medical coding. Bevivino works as a special education teacher for the South Glens Falls district. According to Ducey, the sisters were “inspired by their father’s entrepreneurial spirit,” and when provided with the opportunity to open the store, the family jumped on it.
“The store has allowed us to have a project we love that we can all do together,” stated Ducey.
A third sister is the designer of Nick’s Knacks Jewelry, a customer favorite offered in the shoppe. The store also features handbags, kitchen items, unique children’s merchandise, and wooden decorative signs, to name a few. Ducey reported the store is always on the lookout for new merchandise and proudly showcases products such as lotions, soaps, and Barkeater Chocolates from local artisans.
Recently, the store featured another local favorite: hometown hero Jimmer Fredette. On September 19th, Downtown Charm hosted a book signing of “The Contract” by Pat Forde. The book chronicles Fredette’s journey from Glens Falls to his professional basketball career with the Sacramento Kings. The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce recommended Downtown Charm as a retailer for the book after being contacted by Fredette’s representatives. Fans had the opportunity to meet Fredette and his wife, Whitney, at the event, which took place at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Ducey reported the store carried 250 signed copies, and has since sold out.
“We were thrilled,” stated Ducey. “And the event brought a lot of new traffic to our store.” Downtown Charm has also partnered with Muddy Boots Décor, designers of re-purposed and refinished furniture pieces. The two stores initially began as separate neighboring retail spaces, but soon discovered they complemented each other. The partnership is leading to new endeavors.
“Starting November 2012, our store will be the exclusive retailer of Maison Blanche La Craie Paint in Warren, Washington, and Rutland counties.” Based out of Dallas, the company offers specially formulated paint for furniture, cabinetry, and trim. It can also be used to top off any existing furniture finish, without the need for stripping, sanding, or priming.
Ducey reported the paint is unlike anything she has ever seen before, and she is excited to share her discovery with the Glens Falls region. The store’s website features a “31 Days to Maison Blanche La Craie Paint” blog discussing project ideas and before and after pictures of refinished furniture. Starting early 2013, Downtown Charm plans to host a series of classes in which customers can bring in old pieces of furniture they are looking to transform. Participants will have access to all paints, waxes, and tools during the class, and “will have the chance to make something unique and beautiful.”
As the store approaches its first anniversary, Downtown Charm will be open during Stewfest on October 20th, the “Boo 2 U! Trick or Treat” event on October 27th, and Hometown Holidays from November 30th until December 1st. All events take place in downtown Glens Falls. Ducey credits The Downtown Glens Falls Business Improvement District (BID) for creating events that attract families to Glens Falls’ stores and eateries. “We love that downtown supports one another,” stated Ducey.
For more information about Downtown Charm, call 636-3136, or visit downtowncharmgf.com. The store is also on facebook at www.facebook.com/downtowncharm, and on twitter @DowntownCharm.