When Elizabeth Anderson was looking for a space to house the eclectic shop she envisioned, she knew exactly where she wanted to be: downtown Seymour.
So one Tuesday in January, she set out to pursue her dream.
Lizzie’s Corner Consignment and Gifts was open at 19 Bank St. three days later.
“I love downtown Seymour,” said Anderson, who has lived in town for the last 10 years after previously living in Orange. “I love the little shops. I love the atmosphere, the small-town feel of it.”
Downtown Seymour has become a hub for small, local, independently owned shops in recent years.
Anderson aims to pack a lot of personality into the shop’s 800 square feet.
“It’s almost overwhelming,” she said of her inventory. “There’s so many things in it.”
The gift shop sells mostly goods that are made in Connecticut, a priority of Anderson’s. Honey she sells is made from Seymour, Woodbridge, Bethany and Oxford, for instance, while savory cookies are from Watertown and maple syrup comes from Litchfield.
“I’m trying really hard to represent the area,” she said, adding the local flair is resonating with customers. “When I say (something) is local, they’re really excited to buy it.”
Anderson also sells wares by local crafters, and said her own love of crafting inspired her to leave her former office job and open Lizzie’s.
“I’ve always done crafts,” she said. “I’ve been making lighted wine bottles for a few years and I sell them in a bunch of little gift shops, and it just really gave me the itch to do it on my own.”
She also takes furniture and home decor consignments at the store. Those interested in consigning items should call the shop for an appointment and likely will be asked to send photos of their items. The phone number is 203 – 888-1030.
“My biggest rule is nothing practical,” she said. “It’s got to be pretty fun and decorative.”
The shop — which Anderson staffs mainly herself, with help from her daughter Kate Mirabella — has gained a growing customer base in its first few months.
More than 1,000 people like Lizzie’s Facebook page, where Anderson promotes new inventory as it arrives.
“This place is something special,” customer Vicki Cassella wrote in a Facebook review. “Many terrific things! Go visit her.”
Cheryl Kazalunas, owner of Berries and Baskets in Naugatuck, wrote in a review on Facebook: “So much stuff! We sell our crafts at Lizzie’s and she’s such a great person to deal with. Unfortunately, all my profit goes back to the store because she has so many great vendors. I buy every time I go.”
The community has been very supportive of the store in its initial months, Anderson said.
“It’s been fantastic,” she said. “I’m so excited, I had no idea what to expect.”
The store is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
On “First Saturdays,” a monthly free concert downtown, the shop remains open until 9 p.m.
