Platypus: Offerings as Unique As It’s Namesake

Platypus, located in the Streets of Chester shopping plaza in Chester Borough, offers a unique mix of furniture sales, whole bean coffees, fine chocolates and a design service.

But when Terry Manoni was there presenting to the Chester Borough Mayor and Council, Councilman James Robshaw couldn’t get past the gourmet chocolate samples they brought.

“These chocolates are awesome,” Robshaw said. “And you can quote me on that.”

Indeed, throughout the Manoni’s talk and the rest of the meeting Robshaw ate the gourmet truffles, which according to Manoni is one of their popular items.

“Not only do I work in Chester, but I am a resident of the Borough,” Manoni said. Her and her husband Joe relocated to Chester six years ago to be closer to their daughter and grandchild. “Before we moved here I had a design business for 25 years.”

Manoni had thought her design days were over before finding Platyus.

“Platypus is interesting. I didn’t think I would be back into the business at all. I had seen the store in Shewsbury and this is one of five locations,” Manoni said. “Its an intriguing place and a destination.”

Part of that destination experience is the much-heralded unusual mix of products.

“They also have an interesting buying team and they bring things not only from around the world but locally as well,” Manoni said. “And I just want to do everything I can for the idea of shopping locally.”

Manoni’s expertise involves providing a design service either in the store or in a customer’s home, but she said promoting the business is a challenge.

“Doing business is not the same. When I had my business I never advertised. I won a few design awards and my word of mouth. That is not the way it is today,” Manoni said. “We can only do so much to advertise. I can only say as council members the best thing you can do is make it easier for people to do business with us. And please come to visit us.”

Mayor Bob Davis said he had been to the store several times and it was an experience.

“It is a pleasure to put a face to a name in our community,” Davis said. “I am very pleased with you being here in our mall in Chester.”