Business Q&A: The Lynbrook Irish Shop

In this Patch feature, "Business Q&A," we ask five questions of a local establishment to help Lynbrook residents get a better feel for their business community. 

This week's featured business is the . We spoke with owner Jennifer Derrig, who explains that the store isn't just for St. Patrick's Day.

When did the Irish Shop open? How did you get started?
 
The Lynbrook Irish Shop opened in August, the summer of 2010. Having recently moved to Lynbrook, I had already been running a successful online Irish shop that I was looking to expand into a brick and mortar shop. Being a working mom of two, opening the Lynbrook Irish Shop at 144 Hendrickson Avenue in Lynbrook was an ideal location for my me and family. Its proximity is in easy walking distance to both our home and the kids' school, which really allows me to work full time and still be a full-time mom.
 
Although we live locally in Lynbrook, we often visit our family home that we also offer rental in County Mayo, Ireland, discovering new Celtic products and Irish crafts.
 
What does the Irish Shop have to offer the Lynbrook community?
 
The Lynbrook Irish Shop really tries to bring the warmth and beauty of the Emerald Isle to the community though our cottage décor and traditional Irish gifts. I really go out of the way to offer a select collection of beautiful and unique Irish gifts that reflect the high quality and artistry of traditional Irish craft and local craftsman.

A large majority of our Irish gifts are imported from Ireland or are Irish "American" made. We really try to support imported Irish crafts, local artisans and American small business.
 
Everyone at the Lynbrook Irish Shop goes out of their way to make the shop’s customers feel welcome and that their local support is appreciated. We want our customers to have a memorable shopping experience.
 
We offer our customers the convenience of shopping seven days a week, with extended hours during the holiday season. Our hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
What are your most popular items?

The Lynbrook Irish Shop sells a wonderful collection of Irish wools, Irish linens, Celtic jewelry, ceramics, candles, wedding accessories, baptismal and communion attire. Although, the most popular item is the Irish food.
 
We have a great selection of the most popular Irish foods. From the basic Irish staples like Barry’s Tea, baking products, soups, snacks, cookies, to delicious Irish chocolates and custom gift baskets that can be shipped.
 
The Lynbrook Irish Shop also carries everything needed for a traditional Irish breakfast, such as: Irish sausages, rashers, brown bread, black and white puddings — even Irish butter.
 
What are some of the items the average resident would like, someone who's only "Irish" on St. Patrick's Day?
 
For St. Patrick’s Day, the Lynbrook Irish Shop has a variety of novelty Irish accessories to wear for the parade and gifts for all ages, affordable priced. Whether you’re looking for an Irish flag to flaunt your heritage or just a little something green to wear lest you pinched, the Lynbrook Irish shop has all your St. Patrick’s Day needs.
 
Do you hold any kind of community events at the store?
 
The Lynbrook Irish Shop is having a "Leprechaun Trap Contest" on its Facebook page.

It seems the Lynbrook Irish Shop suspects a leprechaun has taken up residence in their shop. So the shop is employing the local kids to come up with various leprechaun trap designs and post the photos on their Facebook page. The trap design photo with the most “likes” wins a box of Cadbury Heroes chocolates for saving the shop. Trap photos can be posted up until March 17.