Verona Native Takes Over Main Street Cottage

As a customer, Donna Ambrose Ciccolini liked Main Street Cottage in Verona so much, she decided to buy it. 

The township resident took over the business at 678 Bloomfield Ave. this summer, and has reopened the tiny shop with a fresh coat of paint, new shelving and a mix of familiar and new merchandise. 

Ciccolini said when the previous owner decided to move on after twelve years in business, she was at "the right place at the right time."

While she continues to offer the American-made home decor the shop is known for, she has introduced some new items, including a section devoted to Verona-themed signs, tote bags, mugs and other maroon and white gift ideas.

The offerings in the one-room store, which decades ago was home to a barbershop, will change with the seasons and holidays.

Halloween items were almost sold out Tuesday, and in about a week the turkeys will be displayed for Thanksgiving. Around mid-November, the shop will transform again to highlight Christmas decor.

Ciccolini said candles are popular, but she often can't predict what the big sellers will be — for example — a selection of Disney items including "countdown to Disney" calendars and "Disney Dollars" savings jars flew off the shelves.

Ciccolini attended Our Lady of the Lake elementary school and graduated from Verona High School in 1986. She has two sons, one in middle school and one in elementary school.