By Allison Perrine
LITTLE SILVER – A local boutique in the Two River area for 85 years, the Little Silver Woman’s Exchange has stayed true to its roots as a showcase for locally produced, handcrafted merchandise that donates profits back to the local community.
Recently the nonprofit made a big change, retiring its name and rebranding itself Little Silver Gifts.
The new name highlights the curated selection of new handmade items for sale in the stylish boutique. Some people erroneously thought it was a thrift store, said store manager Elaine Boaman.
“We really felt that it was time to make a change and be clear about who we are,” she said. “We rebranded, but we’re still the same great nonprofit organization.” The store, she said, “is like the original Etsy.”
In recent weeks the shop’s volunteer sales staff transitioned to new tags, receipts and business cards with the new name. The website has been relaunched under littlesilvergifts.com, and social media accounts are being updated. The website even offers a link to a Yelp page for online reviews.
“We’re trying to appeal to a contemporary buyer, tra- ditional buyer, buyers of all ages. That’s what we’re really all about,” Boaman said.
The shop is situated in the heart of Little Silver at 32 Church St. Its grey and turquoise exterior houses items for shoppers of all ages and interests. From children’s clothing and toys to woodwork, pottery, bags, frames, vintage postcards and much more, there is something for every occasion.
The shop first opened in Rumson in 1934. Several women started the exchange to make extra money for their families. They sold knitted items, baked goods and more.
Photo by Allison Perrine
The shop now has over 40 volunteers. Inventory items have expanded. It is particularly renowned for its baby department, Boaman said. Popular children’s items include hand-knitted sweaters, crocheted dolls, embroidered blankets and hats, all at a reasonable price point, she said. Hand-knit baby sweaters range from $45 to $70.
“They know they’re going to find an unusual and unique thing here that they’re not going to find anywhere else,” she said.
The shop carries merchandise from crafters in about 25 states and has donated more than $600,000 to Monmouth County charities since 1980, according to information posted on its website.
Volunteers Jill White and Patti Homsey, both of Middletown, and both crafters, said they like that about the store.
“It’s like supporting our own,” White said.
They also like how the store supports small businesses and contributes to the appreciation of handmade goods.
