Frogmore: ‘It's like having your own country store'

Byram - Frogmore Country Store is probably the closest thing to a landmark in Byram other than the one-room schoolhouse. Often a destination for shoppers and browsers, it was once a stop on bus tours from the city. Open since 1967, it was taken over by mother/daughter team April Kaprelian and Kate Reinhardt in 1991. A massive expansion took place in August 1998, doubling its size and increasing the popularity and variety of offerings of the emporium. Some of the original brands, like Pilgrim Glass and Bronley Bath & Body, are still being sold, and trolls can still be seen peeking out from all corners of the store. Not long ago, an organization that supports domestic abuse victims asked to use the store for a private sale. That was the first of the many fund-raising parties for charitable organizations now held at the store. The premises have been used for fund raising by groups such as women’s clubs, domestic abuse organization, mom’s groups, “red hatters,” and school groups. “They’re a lot of fun,” said Reinhardt. “It’s a night out and gives everyone a chance to shop with the store to themselves.” She likened the experience to shopping like a celebrity, because the store is closed to the general public and open only to friends of the organization. “People enjoy the opportunity to look around and shop without any pressure,” added Diana Loiacono, store manager. “It’s like having your own private store.” The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and enjoys socializing at the events as much as the shoppers. The store can also be booked for individual private parties. Reinhardt recalled an event celebrating a birthday, where the guest of honor was presented with a gift certificate to shop. The parties can take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on any day of the week except Sunday, and there is no cost to the organization. Refreshments, including hors d’oeuvres, beverages (punch, coffee, and tea), and desserts, are provided by the owners. Several door prizes, valued between $50 and $100 are also provided. These may include Vera Bradley items, or items form Sonoma Lavender, April Cornell, or Yankee Candle. The full staff is available to guide, assist with questions, fit, and to help locate any wanted items. It is the responsibility of the organization to advertise the event to benefit most from the proceeds. Except for the advertising duties, an organization can run a fund-raiser without the usual solicitations necessary for a tricky tray, with no clean-up required. Frogmore will give back, on a sliding scale, a percentage of the total sales. (Specifics regarding the amount can be discussed at the time of booking.) All private party guests receive a “goody bag.” The variety of items available at Frogmore is practically endless. There are hundreds of vendors - and thousands of items - including clothing, bed and table linens, candles, jewelry, candies, seasonal items ...and that’s just in one corner of the store. “Everybody wins,” said Reinhardt, “because there is no overhead, no output. It’s almost like getting free money.” According to Loiacono, the parties are particularly popular in the fall, just after the start of school and before the holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Gift wrapping is included without cost. A short list of the brands indicates the high quality of products sold: Byer’s Choice, Vintage Creations; Boyd’s Bears, Store Critters, Dept. 56, Swarovski, Mountain Weave table linens, Burt’s Bees, Primal Elements, Caldren natural cleaners, Country Home Creations and Kitchen Kettle Village food products. Frogmore Country Store is located at 238 Rte. 206 North, Byram. Call 973-347-6259 or toll free 800-203-1100; fax 973- 47-8994; or log on to frogmoregifts.com for on-line or catalog shopping.