Celebrating 25 Years on Main Street

For a quarter of a century,  has been a fixture on Main Street.

With a passion for what she does and a love for the downtown business she has worked for since she was a teenager, business owner Rita Ciaffone has developed a following of loyal customers.

Specializing in handbags, gifts and collectibles, the store is open from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 324 Main Street.

5 Questions:

1. How long has the store been here? “We’ve been here 25 years,” said Ciaffone. “We’re pushing 26 this year.”

2. How did you come to the store? Ciaffone said at 14 she began working for the store's original owner, Fern Folz. The shop was sold by Folz to another owner nearly 16 years ago. Ciaffone said she bought it from them soon after.

3. What are some of the biggest sellers? Vera Bradley bags, Yankee Candle products, Terramundi money pots and Willowtree angels are the most popular items at the store, Ciaffone said.

4. How has the economy affected your business? Fern’s actually did better when the economy started to fall and only now is starting to feel it, according to Ciaffone. “This past year has been pretty tough. It’s a good thing we have so many loyal customers.”

5. How do the parades affect your business? “I actually spoke up at the town meeting last month about those,” Ciafone said. “People come from all over to watch the parade, not to buy.” The holiday parade this year falls on the same day as Small Business Saturday, which she feels would be detrimental to her business.