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CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. Amongst the ever changing local business landscape in Chappaqua, which will see the opening of three new stores in 2012, Cindy Lupica has been proud to call King Street home nearly a decade.
Lupica opened her business, Marmalade, eight years ago in order to be closer to her children in Pleasantville. Before opening Marmalade as a secondary business, Lupica worked in New York City in the garment industry.
Lupica, however, said her King Street store became a full-time venture earlier than anticipated. "I opened this as a secondary business so I would be closer to the kids so when I left the garment industry, which actually left us. I didnt leave it," she said.
Marmalade opened as mostly a boutique store, offering hostess gifts, bedding, rugs, furniture and clothing. Recently, the store expanded its business and began offering ballet for children in 2010 as well as a yoga program for adults in October.
"Both of those businesses have grown a lot," said Lupica. "Its great because we already know the kids when they come into shop with their moms and dads."
While the Chappaqua business scene is much different than the one she knew in New York City, Lupica said there are many advantages to owning a local shop.
"We know all of our customers," Lupica said. "Maybe they bought a piece of furniture a couple of years ago or now theyre adding onto their house so we work with them. We remember what they did before and were able to help."
Lupica said she received help from Chappaqua resident and former President Bill Clinton during the holiday season, who exclusively signed copies of his book "Back to Work" to be sold in her store. When copies quickly sold out, Clinton sent over a new batch of signed books."
Following a busy holiday season, Marmalade will soon be replenishing its stock with new items. Lupica said the store's current best-sellers include Pine Cone Hill Bedding, pine furniture and candles.
"I like having a store here because theres a need in this community," said Lupica. "We also do decorating so its great to be able to furnish peoples houses all the way from the basic bedding and the furniture all the way into wall décor and just general knick-knacks and things for the house."
Despite its locality, Lupica said Marmalade also offers nationwide shipping on its website.
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