Sheri Chablis opened her children’s boutique for two reasons. One was the opportunity to do something she had always thought about and the other was the frustration in finding unique clothing locally for her young son.
Chablis and store Manager Chantal Simon, welcomed shoppers to My Sweet Pea for a “soft opening” on Monday. When asked why she chose the week of Thanksgiving, Chablis said, “Because we wanted to capture the busiest time of the year.”
It was all a matter of timing. The New City residents said when the storefront became available she moved quickly, deciding on October 1 to rent it, attending a children’s apparel show in Manhattan and placing orders several days later.
“And now, here we are,” she said.
The South Main Street shop carries a wide variety of clothing and gift items for babies and toddlers and furniture along with some unexpected merchandise. “Mommy and me” matching coats are available for mothers and daughters and “Daddy and me” matching button-down shirts come in assortment of colors.
“It’s not your average casual clothing,” said Simon. “It’s clothing with an edge. We’re being very selective with what brands we’re carrying.”
Simon, who has an extensive background in retail with Anne Klein and other high-end merchandisers, noted My Sweet Pea carries specialty brands such as “Envy” and “Morfs”.
Some shirts have appliques with Sesame Street characters and others have the saying When I grow up I want to be and then either artist, astronaut or chef on the back. The front of the shirt is designed with the outfit or uniform for that career.
Some of the holiday dresses are hand beaded and can be ordered in sizes that may not be available in the store which stocks zero to 4T. There are christening dresses and gowns suitable for pageants. Little “fashionistas” can choose from an assortment of ruffled skirts, legging sets with frills, pastel tutus and hair accessories.
Chablis, whose real estate business shares the first floor with the store, said she plans to offer a variety of personal services for customers. Shoppers can individualize gift baskets for babies and baby showers, party favors and centerpieces.
“We plan on having special nights where we’ll cater to daddies so they can shop for the kids,” she said.
Charity fundraisers, senior citizens’ shopping days and Tuesday story times are in the planning stages. She also can arrange a photographer if parents want their children’s pictures taken or a decorator to design their children’s rooms.
As part of Sweet Pea's opening week, Sha Sha the Clown will entertain children on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The store’s hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with one late weeknight, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and online. My Sweet Pea Inc. is located at 159 South Main Street, New City and the phone number is 845-638-Baby (2229).
