Business of the Week: Something Different Home Decor & Gifts

Something Different Home Decor and Gifts is a Forks Township specialty shop that could just as easily be called something for everyone.

“It’s a very unusual store,” said Joseph DeRogatis, the owner’s father, who was in the store lending a hand while visiting from out of town.

Owner Debbie DeRogatis prefers to call it “eclectic,” although unusual may be just as suitable. The store sells an array of gifts, jewelry, women’s and children’s accessories, home décor items, art, and, in the interest of brevity, much more.

“The big sellers are the soy candles, the bracelets and the jewelry,” said Joseph DeRogatis. “But there’s a lot more than that.”

What makes the store something different is that there’s no particular motif to the store; the decor is contemporary and old-fashioned, modern and retro, designer and thrifty.

Debbie DeRogatis, a Forks Township resident, opened her store in the Town Centre Plaza in 2002. Prior to this store, she had another Something Different location in Chester, N.J. The former shop was focused more on country-style home décor.

After the move to Forks, she began to go to fashion shows in New York and invited more vendors to the store. She chooses styles based on what is popular, as well as what she believes is suited to the area.

“I do a lot of homework,” joked DeRogatis. “I see what the famous people and designers are wearing, and try to carry those types of items.”

Something Different’s big seller these days are Chamilia beads and bracelets, a customizable and personalized approach to jewelry. The store stocks hundreds of different beads, representing seasons, holidays, family and birthstones.

The shop also sells designer-inspired jewelry, influenced by David Yurman & Judith Ripka lines, yet for a fraction of the price. DeRogatis’ philosophy on selling likenesses is simple.

“An accessory is a little pick-me-up,” she explained. “It should be something cheerful and inexpensive.”

DeRogatis is particularly proud of local artist Rich Connolly’s handmade sculptures. Connolly’s sculptures are made using antique German and Dutch chocolate molds, often in the shape of animals. DeRogatis explained that Jackie Onassis was one of his frequent customers, and his work has been displayed  at the White House.

Other handmade gifts found in the store include soy candles and floral wreaths.

“I like to get handmade items, and items made in the United States,” said DeRogatis. “I find that my customers like that too.”

Closest to the entrance is the shop’s display of martini glasses and shakers, wine glasses and other accessories. The shop also special-order monogrammed wine and pilsner glasses as gifts.

Right now, seasonal jewelry is in stock and selling fast; Viva beads, colorful bracelets reminiscent of springtime, are popular among female patrons.

In addition to running her shop, DeRogatis is a volunteer for the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Forks Township Business and Commerce Association.

As an independent business owner, she can safely say there’s just no comparison between the experience her customers get and shopping in major department stores.

“Customers always comment on our customer service,” she said. “We’re patient, and we take our time with each person. They always come back for that; our service what they remember.”

Something Different is located at 351 Town Center Boulevard in the Town Center Plaza, next to Giant. The store is open seven days a week. Check them out on Facebook at Something Different Home Décor & Gifts for upcoming events and sales.

Their next event is on April 30 in preparation for Mother’s Day. Door prizes and refreshments will be offered throughout the day. Something Different is offering a free limited-edition Mother’s Day Chamilia bead with a purchase over $150, while supplies last.