Jun 18, 2010

Hodgepodge shop opens its doorsBy Barbara ThomasFoothillsMediaGroup.com

Avon, CT — At the beginning of June, The Hodgepodge Shop joined the Riverdale Farms community and as the name suggests, shoppers can find a little bit of everything there.

“It’s a fun little shop with a hodgepodge of items for women and children … and even a few things for men,” business owner Jill Merenda said.

The shop has a variety of gift items for women and children including plush toys, play sets, dolls, baby items, chocolates, martini and wine glasses, home/kitchen goods, candles, lotion, picture frames, gift baskets, tote bags, cards and more.

“I plan to always keep changing things,” Merenda said.

There’s plenty to look at in this small and quaint shop, which is a step back in time, especially since it’s situated in what was once a barn on a working farm. The old wooden beams are testament to that.

“I’m proud to be a part of a community that takes you away from the frenzy of the malls … shopping the way it used to be,” Merenda said. “The charm of the location, it’s history, is what drew me here. There’s the nostalgia of a relaxed shopping environment.”

She said she appreciates that the Brighenti family kept the integrity of the 19th century dairy farm.

The Hodgepodge Shop evolved from the former Traditions Gift Shop in Wolcott, where Merenda lives.

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