By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
HIGHTSTOWN — The summer solstice begins on Tuesday. June 21 also marks the beginning of a week-long celebration at local retail store Perennial Home.
This week, owner Karen West celebrates the ninth year anniversary of her business in Hightstown.
The store offers patrons unique gifts and local artisan craftsmanship at reasonable prices.
In 2002, the business first opened its doors at 199 West Ward Street.
With extended store hours from Tuesday to Saturday, there will be a wide range of events celebrating the store’s anniversary during the week-long celebration also known as the Fill Your Home With Life & Love event at the store.
The event will feature $9 gifts for the ninth anniversary, Ms. West said.
”Little pick up gifts for parties at the end of the year,” she said. “Nothing that’s going to break the bank.”
Her store features “unique gifts, unique accessories for the home.”
”Many custom made things are locally distributed things which are keeping cost downs for my customers,” she said, adding that Perennial Home is “totally green.” And on the first day of summer solstice, all customers will be offered a traditional birthday discount of 25 percent off one item. This special discount is for June 21 only.
”We’ll have other discounts throughout the week,” she added.
According to a press release on the Perennial Home’s ninth anniversary, the store also feature daily appearances by local artists, decorating tips, special hours, store “birthday” discounts.
And cupcakes, Ms. West said during an interview with the Herald Wednesday.
As a local shopkeeper, she sells furniture, mirrors, pillows and window treatments
”My customers are definitely a unique breed,” she said, adding her customers truly value the art of gift giving. “They want it to be special for the person; to have meaning, which is what a gift is really all about.”
At Perennial Home, people can decorate their presents.
”I do try to drive home the importance of giving gifts,” she said.
Perennial Home offers its customers an opportunity to buy local work by local artists.
Her store features works by glass artist Beth Stephano, of Hightstown, and her husband jazz musician Art Stephano of the Sixth Quaternion.
The works of artist and designer Gwen Toma, of Cranberry, and painter Jeff Belpanno, of Hightstown, are also featured.
Perennial Home also features custom crafted pillows designed by Isabel Huelbig, of Hightstown.
”That are amazing. They’re works of art,” said Ms. West of the pillows.
The store features two additional Hightstown natives.
First, Nancy Engel creates jewel-encrusted mirrors and boxes, which are sold at the store.
Second, Raine Williams presents painted glassware and pottery.
For next week only, store hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 25.
For more information on the week-long celebration, visit www.perennialhome.com or call 609-448-8830.
