Ashtyn Asay 
After nearly 24 years in downtown Montclair, one longtime local business is preparing for a new chapter. Culture Couture, the independent gift shop located at 53 Church Street, announced last month that it will close its brick-and-mortar storefront after almost two and a half decades in business. While the physical store is winding down, founder Lisa Johnson shared that Culture Couture isn’t disappearing entirely. Instead, the business will continue online, at community events, and through local markets. The announcement comes as another local retailer, White Rabbit Black Heart, prepares to open its second location in the storefront. Read on for more about these retail changes in Montclair.
A New Chapter for Culture Couture
Culture Couture has sold crystals, candles, houseplants, and other eco-conscious lifestyle products at 53 Church Street since 2003. According to the business’s website, its mission is “to give people a positive experience to feel good about themselves and the world around them.” In a message shared on Instagram, Lisa reflected on opening the storefront over two decades ago, and the relationships she has built with customers, artists, makers, and the Montclair community during that time.
“When I opened Culture Couture in 2003, I never imagined the incredible journey that would follow,” Lisa wrote. “This store has connected me with thousands of customers, artists, makers, and friends, and I am deeply grateful for the support of the Montclair community.”
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Since opening the shop, Lisa’s professional career has expanded well beyond retail. She earned both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, became an adjunct professor, and now works in local government focusing on sustainability, climate resilience, urban forestry, environmental education, and community initiatives. As those responsibilities have grown, she said it has become increasingly difficult to dedicate the time and energy needed to operate a physical storefront.
“Thank you for nearly 24 years of support, friendship, and community,” Lisa wrote. “I look forward to continuing this journey in new ways and seeing the next chapter unfold at 53 Church Street.”
Owners of White Rabbit Black Heart to Open Second Location at 53 Church Street
Despite the closure of Culture Couture, it looks like 53 Church Street’s time as home to a local business isn’t over just yet.
“Rather than leaving the space vacant, we are working on a transition that will allow a fellow local retailer to bring their own vision to 53 Church Street while continuing many of the gift, home décor, jewelry, and specialty items that customers have come to enjoy,” Lisa wrote on Instagram.
A representative of White Rabbit Black Heart, a shop that sells jewelry, home decor, fragrances, and gifts at 219 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair, told The Montclair Girl that 53 Church Street will become its second location, and will feature more of the artists that the shop currently carries, as well as some “fan favorites.” A post shared on Instagram on Wednesday, July 19th teased a “new retail experience” coming to the storefront. However, an opening date and additional details about the new space have not yet been announced.
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The Montclair Girl will update this piece with more details as we find them.
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