'Strong Sense Of Community' Landed This Gift Shop In Collingswood

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — Being your own boss means that you — and usually only you — make decisions that affect your company.

So when Sara Villari, the founder of Occasionette, was looking for a third location for her gifts and goods retail shop, she said it made sense made the decision to locate in Collingswood.

"We love Collingswood because of the strong sense of community here," she told Patch. " Our shop aims to bring people closer together through thoughtful gifts, and Collingswood is a community of people who really appreciate that goal."

"We’re thrilled to have a space for our neighbors and friends in Collingswood to go when they’re in search of gifts for little ones and their parents," she added.

The shop on Haddon Avenue carries a wide range of "gifts for tiny humans" in the form of toys, games, puzzles, wares, bibs and other items, with the hope of eliminating the stress that can sometimes accompany shopping, according to Villari.

"Occasionette's goal is for everyone to leave happier than they came in," she said.

Sales from the independent, woman-owned business benefit more people than just its customers, Villari said.

"Occasionette chooses a different charitable organization monthly to collect and match donations for," she said. "In 2021, the company gave over $10,000 to organizations like the Trevor Project, Philabunance, Girls Inc., SEAMAAC and more."

Got a news tip? Story idea? Send me an email with the details at janel.miller@patch.com.