Wayback Wednesday, sponsored by Jamie Lockwood, broker/owner of Sutton Group Muskoka Realty!
The Village Shop just before it closed in 2014. (Photo: Huntsville Forester archives).
Do you remember The Village Shop in Huntsville’s downtown? Store owner Eunice Verrier was able to fill a niche when she started the business in 1970 by providing elegant, high-quality clothing, accessories, and gifts (and wool) for ladies—often imported from Europe. She had a faithful clientele, which could explain why The Village Shop managed to stay open for almost 45 years until Verrier announced her retirement and that the business would be closing its doors on December 20, 2014. It remains one of the longest-standing businesses on Huntsville’s Main Street.
Do you have any special memories of the business? Did you shop there?
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Valerie McCormick says
How lucky we were to have such high quality ladies wear with exemplary service for all those years? The Village Shop provided clothing for every occasion!
I was fortunate to have worked with Eunice for a time. It was fun and satisfying. A family business that I miss!
Michele A Crowder says
I have fond memories shopping with my mother in law, Anne. I remember there was always so much to look at!
Carol Sullivan says
Huntsville was a center for ladies shopping when the Village Shop was on our main street. People came here from all around to do their shopping. The Village Shop was just one stop as we also had Vanity Fair and Flotrons . Those were the days my friends, we thought they would never end!
martina schroer says
During the 1980’s I was running Through Children’s Eyes drama studio in Huntsville. The students and I would tour their original scripts around the area which was always a very special and integral part of the programme. Often trying to make a living in the Arts does not leave a lot of extra cash since most of the money usually went right back into the studio. But once a year I would visit Eunice and she would help me pick out a lovely outfit, often a long skirt, which I would wear during the performances to honour my wonderful thespians.
My students always appreciated my special outfits.
The clothing in the store was exquisite. I still have and wear one of the long skirts, handmade, that had been imported from Nova Scotia.
It was always a pleasure to visit The Village Shop and spend time with Eunice, a very classy lady.
Martina
Lanor Lovegrove says
I was fortunate to work for Eunice back then. It was a delightful store with wonderful fashions. There were three of us working at the time. We had fun and the pleasure of helping people find just the right thing for them.
It is remembered and is still missed.
Joy McKay says
That familiar sound of the bells against the glass door that opened up into a showpiece of color, elegance and creativity. The proprietor of this beautiful atmosphere was Eunice Verrier, a petite bundle of grace and style with some feistiness in the mix. And the soft-spoken Joe, was her right-hand Man. All who entered were mesmerized by the beauty within the four walls. Her clothes sporting quality and color, her creative displays adding that artful splash, her display windows simply gorgeous. Christmas was a stream of Husbands, either with a specific wish list to fill or who entrusted Eunice to put that smile on the faces of their Wives. I had the pleasure of working for and learning from Eunice for the two years before The Village Shop gracefully closed her doors. A section of my wardrobe closet proves it. Thank you Eunice xo
Mary Spring says
The Village Shop was a favourite for my family over the years. Eunice carried a beautiful selection of clothing, particularly kilts, wool skirts and dress pants.
Eunice was a saviour for my husband, Don. He used to call her close to Christmas and ask her to select an outfit for me. She would wrap the parcel beautifully and he would send one of his employees to pick it up. It was a lovely surprise for us both on Christmas morning. Thank you Eunice and Joe.
Mike Stevens says
Carol Sullivan mentions 3 shopping exsperiance’s which are no more.Three different businesses trying to earn the customers business,with a unique shopping experience and competitive pricing.Big Business has sguashed this with one place to shop,one price and poor service.They try to program the customer to suit their computerized world,and maximized profits.How often have you heard “well that’s our policy!”
Allen Markle says
I used to drop in at the Village Shop, back when Joe and I were members in the early version of Huntsville Kinsmen. I ventured in one year as Christmas was approaching. Tricia worked at Flotron’s and it was difficult to buy her a present there without everyone knowing. I spotted some cashmere sweaters that I was assured she would love. I bought two and my, didn’t that make the wallet slimmer. But she did love them.
When the store was closing, the Huntsville and Area Historical Society got a big display case from Eunice, which we installed down at the train station; ’til the mayor and council sold it for a toonie. Not sure where the case went.
Now I see the comments on Doppler and wonder how many guys didn’t learn colour co-ordination from the ladies in our old down town stores. Some of the very ones who have commented here. I still get it at home today.
“You aren’t wearing that are you?” From the tone you know you aren’t.
“Nice and bright eh! Fall colours.” I know I don’t stand a chance.
“Might look good on a maple honey, but it doesn’t work for you. Change.”
I’m generally already on my way back to the bedroom.
I agree with Mike Stevens. We lost a lot when our town ‘grew’. I miss what we lost and am not enamored with what Huntsville has become.