By Lindsey Pizzica Rotolo

Just in time for the holidays, the Corner Store is displaying several new lines of merchandise. Last month, a third of the store was cleared of its shelves to make room for a large selection of gift items, from more than a dozen local artists and business owners. The idea came from Norfolk resident, Bella Erder, who owns Aija, a jewelry, scarf and handbag company. Erder approached store owner Justin Vagliano and asked if he would consider offering gift items. Vagliano had always wanted to increase interest in shopping locally, but recognized the need for exciting products in order to do that. Both Vagliano and Erder thought this was an opportunity to make the store more appealing and agreed that to ensure a high number of sales, that prices must be reasonable. “Particularly in these difficult economic times”, says Vagliano, “we felt it was important that we included a wide range of fun, affordable gifts. Many are under five dollars.” Erder was impressed with the availability of local artisans. “With the diverse talents of local artists and entrepreneurs in the area,” she says, “we have been able to create a wonderful collection of unusual gift items at very reasonable prices.” And thinking further ahead, she adds, “we want to keep the merchandise fresh and enticing, so we are introducing new lines all the time.” Some items now offered at the Corner Store that could save a trip to Avon or Great Barrington, include children’s toys, gift baskets, wrapping paper and Stonewall Kitchens products. And for the regular things, residents should know that the Corner Store will continue to offer the same convenience items such as milk, eggs and coffee. Store Manager, Mary Reeves, says the new merchandise has been well received by customers. “So far, sales have been good and there have been lots of compliments from people coming in.” To encourage people to check out the new area, the Corner Store will be hosting a holiday open house with wine and hors d’oeuvres on Friday, December 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Shop locally: some of the merchandise now available.