Making an Impression in Moodus

About 10 or so years ago, Pam Arabas started making calendars as gifts for family and friends, which soon grew to include personalized mugs. Soon, she began getting requests to purchase her creations and the idea of MP Impressions was born. The rest, as they say, is history.

After working out of her home for the first few years, it became apparent that the business would need more space, especially for the embroidery machines that are central to the business. Arabas was able to open up a small shop tucked away in the back of the Grist Mill Plaza in Moodus about 5 years ago.

Recently, she was offered the opportunity to move her business into a larger, roadside property in the same plaza. The current retail space is 3 times larger than the original.

"The move provided better visibility and a great spot for walk-in business, which is what we needed," Arabas explains.

The current shop sells a host of gift items in addition to clothes, accessories and athletic wear. Additionally, MP Impressions is the go-to place for custom engraving, embroidery or printing on t-shits, polos, sweatshirts and other items. In addition to creating uniforms for little league teams, MP Impressions also has larger clients like Target and can handle a variety of jobs.

When asked how the business was doing in the current economic climate, Arabas responded "We are maintaining. And, if we can make it through this economy maintaining, we should come out pretty good on the other end."

In the spring, she hopes to expand another section of the shop into sports uniforms and accessories.

This week, MP Impressions will be open Thursday until about 7 or 8, all day on Friday and half the day on Saturday. The shop is located at 25 Falls Road in Moodus.

Consider MP Impressions if you're looking for that last-minute, locally-purchased holiday gift.

For more information, visit their website or call the store at 860-873-1797.