Alyssa Hirkaler 
Nestled between storefronts at 678 Bloomfield Avenue in downtown Verona, Main Street Cottage has been a cherished landmark since 1906. It’s been a place where residents can wander in and discover special, locally curated goods, a tradition that continues today. Read on to learn more about this timeless specialty gift store in northern New Jersey.
About Main Street Cottage
Debbie Curran Galife first opened Main Street Cottage in 2002, but the miniature building has a unique history in Verona. In the early 1900s, the tiny space was Verona’s original barbershop, Pertulio Brothers Barbershop.
The shop has seen many iterations over the years, but it’s always remained a local fixture. Donna Ciccolini bought the store from longtime owner Debbie Galife in 2003. Current owner Kristen LaPorta bought the store from Donna Ciccolini in 2023.
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Growing up, Kristen shopped at the store with her sister, which was previously a bike shop and then a dollhouse furniture store. “Taking over this store feels full circle, ensuring the store remains in local hands,” said Kristen.
Kristen, a local realtor, took over the shop from a childhood friend in 2023. “Originally, I stopped by to see the store for real estate reasons, not expecting to be the new owner,” Krisen said. When Kristen first took over, her initial goal was to immerse herself in the business- learning the operations, getting to know the customers, and analyzing sales trends. Her dedication to curating the experience is evident in her approach to sourcing products. She travels to trade shows, markets, and warehouses to find items that are different from what’s typically found in other local shops or online. “I work diligently to keep prices reasonable for customers,” said Kristen.
What’s Inside Main Street Cottage
Inside, the gift selection is vast and caters to every gift-giving occasion imaginable. You can find the right item for newly engaged couples, newlyweds, or new parents. The store also makes it easy to shop for family, offering a variety of presents for grandparents, parents, and siblings. If you’re looking for a birthday gift for a friend, there are fragrant candles and unique pieces of jewelry.
Seasonally, Main Street Cottage also decorates and offers pieces for holidays- currently, it’s decked out for Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, and spring. During the holiday season, candles, ornaments, wreaths, and festive décor are especially popular. Once warm weather arrives, outdoor décor becomes a favorite. The store also carries a selection of hostess gifts, specialty food items, and also has custom-curated gift baskets perfect for any occasion.
For Kristen, the most rewarding parts of owning the shop include the thrill of sourcing new products and finding items she knows her customers will love. She truly enjoys being part of a community filled with so many wonderful people. Like many brick-and-mortar businesses, she faces the challenge of inconsistency in day-to-day business. However, Kristen credits her resilience and problem-solving abilities to her previous experience as a real estate broker and corporate paralegal, noting that the “small wins push her forward.”
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The Future of Main Street Cottage
Looking ahead, Kristen is excited for the shop’s next chapter. She is currently developing a website that will allow customers to shop online and choose between shipping, local delivery, or in-store pickup.
When asked for advice she’d give to aspiring boutique owners, Kristen’s message is one of empowerment and perseverance: “Believe in yourself, put in the work, stay focused on your goals, and tune out the critics. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and always surround yourself with positive and supportive people.” With its rich history and a passionate new owner at the helm, Main Street Cottage is poised to remain a beloved Verona institution for years to come.
Main Street Cottage is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM- 4 PM. Free parking is located directly behind the store. You can follow them on Instagram at @mainstreetcottageverona.
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