Antique Store Has Chester on Pines and Needles

Mindy Leonardelli and Deborah Stryker are quite the inseparable pair. They're close friends, neighbors in Mendham, tennis partners and they , in Chester.

"We sell antique, vintage items," Leonardelli said. "We have a huge fixture. Most of it is old, but some of it is not true antique but old [and] vintage, and some is new. We are very careful that we buy from companies that are in sustainability. We're really into homemade, or we take something and remake it."

Due to interest and positive feedback, Pines and Needles, located at 455 Main Street, opened in September after the duo had operated out of their homes for a few months.

"It's a lot of fun, people have been very nice," Leonardelli said.

Pines and Needles specializes in vintage antiques and eclectic items, and much of the merchandise has been repurposed for today's style of living.

"By reviving, reusing and recycling used materials or items, Pines and Needles very much intends to be part of the growing green community," a press release said.

Some of the pieces, which are all crafted in Stryker and Leonardelli's respective driveways, are comparable to items found in Pottery Barn or other designer Web sites. However, the two said that they feel their work is one of a kind.

"We have a lot of industrial pieces," said Stryker.

Perhaps most imperative for the ladies and their business is not having similar styles or sharp business acumen, but rather the bond they share.

"We've never had a fight," Stryker said.

Pines and Needles' hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The store can be reached at 908-963-2789 or found online.