Let ' s Buy & Sell Together
TRACY LEROUX
BROKER & OWNER info @ thelinkagency . com but it was never a life goal or something I thought was possible . I didn ’ t know how fulfilling it could be until I did it .”
She officially bought and took over the shop in June . The first orders of business involved decluttering (“ Sandy was certainly a maximalist !”) and ensuring the space was COVID-safe . A complete overhaul , however , was never in question .
“ It ’ s a magical place and I wanted to match her vibe and aesthetic , because it ’ s an aesthetic I loved and learned from .”
But while the shop was already plenty stocked , Stulik knew that she needed to regularly refresh with new hauls .
“ Sandy said , ‘ If you like it , buy it . Always be buying .’ So , I ’ m always going to estate sales , flea markets and thrift stores ,” she says . “ And some people even come in and donate some incredible pieces to make sure they go to a good home .”
The Lady Next Door of today offers an eclectic collection of antique finds , including clothing , handbags , jewelry , ephemera , kitchen wares , vintage fabric , furniture , pottery and more .
“ I really want there to be something for everyone ,” Stulik says . “ We have a lot of ‘ random crap ’ — but good crap !”
As they say , one man ’ s trash is another man ’ s treasure . Shoppers range from teenagers and college students looking for now-trendy ’ 80s fashions to collectors in search of rare coins to casual shoppers who are delighted to score one-offs like a collared horse print dress .
“ I also love telling the stories behind things , like if a skirt came from the estate of a longtime seamstress . I think it just adds to the experience ,” Stulik says . “ I remember I bought a dress from Sandy in college , and she said it was an extra ’ s dress in The Great Gatsby , the one filmed in Newport . I still have it ; I ’ ll never let it go .”
Stulik has also been attracting new customers with renewed social media and digital efforts as well as new store hours ( where Nathanson usually opened two days a week , Stulik opens four , plus offers by-appointment-only hours any day of the week ).
“ It ’ s like three jobs . One , staffing the store ; two , doing the business and marketing sides ; and three , buying things ,” Stulik explains . “ It ’ s a lot . I ’ ve really given myself a crash course , but it ’ s fun .”
The community has made the undertaking a bit easier , welcoming her with open arms .
“ They ’ ve been incredible . I think it helps that Sandy and the store were so loved . People have been really positive about the fact that I ’ m keeping it going , which is really nice , especially in times like these ,” she says . “ My fellow antique store owner Nick Haus down the street has been wonderful and a source and the Discover Warren merchants association has been awesome . I feel like I ’ ve found a family .”
And she had the support of Nathanson herself , if only for a short while .
“ When I first signed , she said , ‘ Alright , I guess I ’ m never gonna see you again !’ And I
68 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MARCH 2021