Supporting Small Businesses During Covid

To say that Covid 19 has devastated the lives and livelihoods of many of our neighbors would be a gross understatement. As we struggle to find a new normal in what feels like month eight thousand six hundred forty two of the pandemic, one can’t help notice how many businesses have closed their doors permanently. Many of which have been part of our commercial landscape for twenty, or even thirty plus years. Restaurants, gyms, boutiques that struggled to make ends meet when things were “normal” just weren’t able to keep it going during the pandemic. The ripple effect of losing independently owned businesses runs deep and the loss of these local dollars has long ugly tentacles. Employees are let go, vendors don’t get orders, landlords lose tenants, utilities disconnected, state sales taxes lost, local property taxes lost. Now darkened commercial store fronts negatively impact the social and property values of entire communities.  We're all conserving during these uncertain times but the next time you need to pick up a can of paint or some take out supper skip the chains and spend with your independently owned locals. Now more than ever, shopping small is impactful. It may cost you an extra dollar today but it will save your community, your neighbors and protect your property values for tomorrow. 

Closing Shop after 16+ Years

Hello Lovelies!

BIG NEWS:

I've decided to close up shop at the end of March 2020. Although the decision hasn't come easily, the notion of pursuing a different line of work is something I've quietly contemplated for a couple of years. With my lease up for renewal and significant construction proposed for downtown Chester, the time has come to pursue that something different.

Creating The French Hen has literally been a dream come true and I'm so grateful to have had the experience! It's been an honor to be a part of your celebrations; birthdays, babies and holidays.  It's been a pleasure to offer a quiet place (that smells heavenly) for you to wonder and get lost in your own thoughts for a little while on a rainy afternoon. I have loved all of our locations, beginning with Centerbrook, then Essex and finally Chester. In recent years we have hosted 41 First Fridays on the front porch in Chester, such fun! And how about the talented staff that I've had over the years...

amazing!

I'll surely miss attending markets in NY and Atlanta to select merchandise and keep my eye on trends in decor and gifts. I'll miss creating displays and pretty vignettes that highlight my product mix. But mostly I'll miss my customers that have made The French Hen a successful and fulfilling venture. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I've begun the process of selling furniture and display pieces. If there's something you've had your eye on, now is the time. I'll get a few more shipments of new product before closing in March. But in the meantime there will be some incredible bargains. I hope you can make it in to take a peek around one last time.