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"We're a bit off the beaten track but people still manage to find us," said the owner of Merriweather's.
In business for 20 years, though in various locations, Manfredi moved her shop when the building she was in on Montgomery Street got sold/ (Prior to that she had been in Poughkeepsie.)
The basis of her business, however, has remained the same: Gift items you won't find everywhere else including all natural soaps and skincare along with what Manfredi calls "fun girlie stuff," including a lot of "girl humor" like Anne Taintor. "Sometimes I'll look over and see customers laughing out loud" she said. "it's nice."
She also carries a large line of housewares and hats. "We're known for our great selection of hats so when the seasons change, we have our regulars coming in looking for something new," she said.
Overall, she said customers like that they never know what they will find in her store. "I like to keep the inventory interesting and fresh," she said. And that means lots of holiday accessories, ornaments and more.
The backbone of her business, however, remains the soap line she began with many moons ago and which is now produced in La Grange. Lavender is the number one most popular along with soaps that cater to sensitive skin like Patchouli.
She also carries whimsically-named soaps like Gin & Tonic, Margarita and Mojito.
Her affordable prices, she said, are one of the keys to her success, along with her wide and varied selection. "People think Rhinebeck is super expensive, but the reality is, it's not," she said. "If you need a birthday gift or a fun holiday item, we have it."
Merriweather's is at 51 E Market St., in the Courtyard at Rhinebeck, (845) 876-8222, www.merriweathers.com/.
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