For three decades, Elaine Bowman and her Village House gift shop on South Cross Street have been a vital retail presence in downtown Chestertown.
Village House, widely known for its beautiful needlepoint pillows and classic home interior accessories, has not only survived the ups and downs of a turbulent economy, but thrived with the help of e-commerce tools, a dedicated staff, and good old-fashioned insight into the changing rhythms of retail styles.
Bowman’s enthusiasm for Chestertown’s future keeps her actively involved with community committees and, she admits, writing many an email to the Mayor’s Office suggesting ways to enhance the town.
After 31 years, Bowman wants more time to enjoy her grandchildren – four of them – with two more on the way—and to do some world class traveling.
She says she will miss the downtown business but feels it’s time to pass it along to the right buyer, someone with enthusiasm and adept at understanding the special niche Village House has carved out in the retail world.
The Spy recently caught up with Elaine and asked her about the shop’s origins, her vision of Chestertown’s future and observations on business in a small town:
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