Life in the Country: Setting Up Shop

Five enterprising general store owners share the secrets to IRL retail success in the age of online everything.

- SARAH ZLOTNICK AND LEIGH CRANDALL

"Some people measure success with a big corner office, but for me the dream is taking my dog, Hudson, to work every day," says Cold Spring General Store owner Craig Muraszewski.

Sure, online shopping has its conveniences, but “if you need a last-minute gift, it’s easiest to pop by your local shop,” says Craig Muraszewski, a former business consultant who opened Cold Spring General Store (coldspringgeneralstore.com) in 2014 precisely because the residents of his Hudson Valley hamlet had to drive 45 minutes to find giftable pantry provisions and elevated homewares.

Three years in, business was booming enough to warrant a move to a historic 2,500-square-foot building on Main Street with beautiful double-doors and large, welcoming windows, which also allowed him to add men’s and women’s clothing to the mix. “A storefront with a story is key to success,” says Craig, “but all the foot traffic means lots of wear and tear, so shop owners should be prepared for regular upkeep.”

As it’s one of the first places visitors to Cold Spring see, it’s also important that shop employees be up to speed on local goings-on and have recommendations at the ready. “Customers want to know where to get lunch and how to get to the river,” Craig adds. “We're basically the town information booth.”

What's a refillery?

This trending eco-friendly twist on the traditional general store is a place where you can purchase household products such as dish soap and laundry detergent in bulk while avoiding the waste of excess packaging.

How does it work?