From TCExtra.com
Frame shop’s new venture is picture perfect
By CORY ALLYN - Staff Reporter
07/30
MILLERTON — Last weekend was a special one for local business Gilded Moon Framing, which had a few things to celebrate: its five-year anniversary as well as its newest endeavor, a collaboration with Hammertown Barn, which has resulted in an expanded gallery of Hammertown’s contemporary home furnishings with some of the frame shop’s artistic treasures as well.
Paul Choma, who owns Gilded Moon with his wife, Jill, explained that the retail space next to their business opened up a little while back, and they jumped at the opportunity.
“Jill and I felt we wanted to show artwork in a home decor setting,” he explained. “We thought Hammertown would be a great company to invite, so we approached Joan [Osofsky, owner of Hammertown]. Our businesses seem to complement each other. It was a perfect match. Joan’s got a great eye... and she’s a wonderful person.”
Osofsky returned the compliments. “And the same for Paul and Jill,” she said. “It’s great to have such an open space here. It’s very inviting.”
The two businesses worked from March until early June, when the addition opened to the public.
“Millerton is such a vibrant and happening town,” Paul added. “It’s a nice way for people to get an introduction to Hammertown.”
Jill added that the new expansion, along with alluring chairs and couches, was a great way to make people who wandered into the store feel comfortable.
“People want to just come in and relax,” she said. “Now they can head in and while we’re measuring things they can hang out and enjoy themselves.”
Osofsky added that this would be the last physical expansion for Hammertown, which currently has locations in Great Barrington, Rhinebeck and a flagship store in Pine Plains.
“We’ll probably grow online from here,” she said. “We’re at a point where I feel comfortable. I want to be able to still give my pieces the attention to detail that make Hammertown special.”
And what does Gilded Moon have up its sleeves for the future?
“We’re just hoping for many more years of continued success,” Paul said.
It’s a win-win-win collaboration according to everyone, as customers who wandered in the store last Saturday afternoon to celebrate with a little wine and cheese said they thought the new business venture was a great idea for the village.
When asked what made the two businesses stand out, shopper Anna Fawcett replied that it was the “outstanding customer service and personal attention” the shops gave to their customers and their craft. When asked if she would be returning to the shop, it was a no-brainer for Fawcett.
“Absolutely.”
The name of the new enterprise is still considered Gilded Moon. It is located at 34 Main Street in Millerton. The shop can be reached at 518-789-3428 or online at gildedmoonframing.com.
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