Sarza co-owners John and Sarah Briginshaw

More of Sarza to Love

BY JANICE LLANES FABRY

Sarza and its meticulously curated collection of home goods, furniture, and accessories has moved across the street to 84 Purchase Street. Its handmade South African merchandise sparkles in a new spacious layout that invites shoppers to linger among a trove of natural textures, fabulous designs, and fine woods.

“We feel really great about the move,” said Sarah Briginshaw, co-owner with her husband John Briginshaw. “Everything fell into place.”

They opened Sarza four years ago and it steadily caught on with a bevy of loyal customers and interior designers, as well as through creative digital marketing. Then this year, the home décor and improvement industry received a boost from the pandemic, when people found themselves spending more time at home.

“We feel so blessed to have the store, to have made all these connections in the community, and to have such a good relationship with so many of our customers, especially during the last year,” said Sarah, whose two children attend Rye Middle and High schools. “We love the personal side.”

Serendipitously, the original store’s rental lease expired at the end of December, around the time the new space became available. Not only can the much larger store accommodate their lines of homeware, tableware, lighting, linens, wallpaper, handbags, wraps, candles, lotions, and fashion jewelry, but now more furniture can be displayed, from chairs to cabinets. Currently, a beautifully designed Matumi slab dining table and leaf sideboard are focal points.

“Our new store allows customers to see our larger pieces and provides that feel and touch shopping experience that is so important,” remarked Sarah.

Part of Sarza’s success can also be attributed to the fact that today’s consumer is more conscious of sustainability.

“Today’s young people ask questions such as ‘Where did this piece come from? How is it made?’ Our products are created by small businesses in South Africa that support communities, and there’s always an emphasis on quality, sustainability, fair working practices, and respect,” said Sarah who knows all her suppliers personally.

Sarza is open Monday through Friday from 9:30-5:30, Saturday from 10-5:30, and Sunday from 11-4.