The Religious Shoppe: Unique Merchandise in a Welcoming Environment

“There aren’t many stores like ours in Bergen County,” says Gary Doran. “We are a very unique destination store. We carry merchandise that isn’t carried in the traditional gift store.” Gary and his wife, Barbara, are the owners of The Religious Shoppe in Hasbrouck Heights.

The Religious Shoppe has been an institution in Hasbrouck Heights since the early 60’s, specializing in Catholic religious items. The Dorans bought the business from the previous owners five years ago. Since then, the couple has put their own stamp on the business with unique gifts for sale at all times of the year.

Gary Doran was born and raised in Jersey City, graduated from Catholic schools in Jersey City and Jersey City State College.  Barbara, on top of helping run the business, is a nurse at Hoboken Hospital. The Dorans moved to Hasbrouck Heights over 30 years ago and has raised their family here. Their children, Gary and Allison, both attended Corpus Christie School.

Gary started his career at AT&T, retiring after 30 years at the company. Then started a second career at the United Way and has been there for 10 years.

Now contemplating retirement, he felt that this would be a nice transition out of the business world. “I had eyed this business before it was sold the last time and I told the former owners that I was interested in buying it. When the last owners decided to sell, I jumped at the opportunity to buy the Shoppe.”

The Religious Shoppe also fits nicely into Gary’s life. Gary’s brother is a monsignor and vicar general of the Archdiocese of Newark and Gary himself is a Eucharistic Minister, meaning that he can give communion. Gary and his family are very active members of Corpus Christi Church in Hasbrouck Heights. Gary runs the parish CYO youth basketball program.

“What I like best about the Religious Shoppe is that it is a unique business,” Gary explained. “There are not too many stores like it around. We find ourselves a destination store for most of our customers and when folks walk in they are looking for something specific. Everyone usually walks out with something. We like to have lots of merchandise in the store so that people can get what they want without waiting. We will order merchandise for customers as well and customers can shop on our website online. We carry a whole array of merchandise for baptisms, confirmations and communions.”

“We have all sorts of statuary, paintings, and books for adults and children, bookmarks, jewelry, candles, crosses, rosaries, magnets and music CDs. For children, we have dolls, music boxes and plush toys that sing and move. During the holidays, we have a broad selection of religious ornaments, music boxes and a traditional favorite, a kneeling Santa. We also have one of the largest selections of Nativity set in Northern New Jersey."

"We have also gotten involved with the Basilica Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Newark and on the weekends run their gift shop. It is open on Sundays and on special events at the church. We are finding that our customers come from all over the area and people will travel to see us,” Gary added. “We are also involved in the Catholic Marketing Network.”

“What I find most important in business is the way you are interacting with the customer,” Gary said. “I enjoy working with people when they enter our shop, helping them find the right gift. If there is anything special someone is looking for, please stop by and see us and we will be happy to assist you.”

The Religious Shoppe
220 Boulevard
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
201-288-4373
www.thereligiousshoppe.com