A new retail concept, Domestic Dry Goods Company, will debut at the Rye Ridge Shopping Center, featuring handcrafted products by American artists that can’t be found elsewhere in the region.

By Georgetta L. Morque

 

A new retail concept, Domestic Dry Goods Company, will debut at the Rye Ridge Shopping Center, featuring handcrafted products by American artists that can’t be found elsewhere in the region. The owner is none other than Erin Hinchey, leasing agent at the shopping center, who has combined her knowledge of retail and passion for high quality design and environmentally friendly goods into a unique boutique. The shop opens August 27.

 

Hinchey, an artist, gardener, and shopping maven, always dreamed of opening her own store. “I truly am a professional shopper,” said Hinchey, whose job involves scouting out retail, which has resulted in a boom in new boutiques and eateries at the shopping center over the past several years.

 

In her research, Hinchey was surprised at the few American-made goods at stores in Westchester. Determined to sell American items, she has hand picked products for the home, garden, and more from companies in Brooklyn, New England, and other areas of the U.S.

 

There are large pillows from Massachusetts and Vermont with a variety of designs and patterns to accent a room, along with coordinating linens and wall art. The shop offers lamps and matching nightlights from New Paltz, heirloom-quality hand-woven baby blankets from Maine, and non-toxic toys, including hand-painted blocks that can be personalized.

 

Gardeners and aspiring gardeners will find a wealth of kits for growing plants, herbs, flowers, and even bonsai trees. Many are in bags — simply plant the bag and add water. “These make great house gifts,” said Hinchey. There are terrariums made from recycled bottles, bird feeders, seeds to attract butterflies, and a garden swing crafted with reclaimed wood from historic buildings.

 

A children’s gardening section includes special kits, such as Stone Soup and Jack in a Box, and those that come in bags with color by number pictures on the cover, which Hinchey has enjoyed using on projects with her son. Fresh flowers directly from New York City wholesalers will be in the store soon. Look for bouquets to-go.

 

Scented candles, always a hit, come in many varieties, including those made with organically grown soy and wine-scented selections encased in repurposed wine bottles. Others have bases that can be planted.

 

And there’s more: decoupage, pottery, men’s accessories, all-natural bath products, including bathtub tea, beer-making kits from the Brooklyn Brew Shop, and barbecue extras, such as salts, rubs, and chutneys. Shoppers can even make their own necklaces with ribbon and charms.

 

Prices range from $5 to $700, but most items are under $100. Hinchey wants to cater to all budgets and also offer customizing to meet shoppers’ requests. The store is located in the rear plaza next to JW Tumbles and Pink on the Plaza.

 

A grand opening is planned for September. For more information, visit www.domesticdrygoodscompany.com.