23 South Opens in Scotti's Former Space

Gone are the CDs. The records. The Skullcandy-brand headphone kiosks.

While many lamented –as the business closed its 28-year-old Morristown shop and consolidated to its final remaining store, in Summit–it didn't take long for a song to be sung at 23 South St.

And, you don't even need to remember both its name and its address, as it is the same thing. While one Morristown staple left, another former staple was taking its place, under the name 23 South.

Those familiar with business history will remember Barry Goffin, who operated Goffin's Hallmark on the Green until 1994. The parents of Barry's wife, Marilyn, operated Lobel's, also on the Green, from the 1970s until near the end of the century before retiring. Barry Goffin was one of the founding board members for First Night Morris, .

And, though both stores had been off the business map here for some time, Barry Goffin said he knew, eventually, he would be back.

"I can't believe we're here," said Marilyn in the family's new store, a gift boutique.

The Goffin's have not been quiet all this time, however. Operating a store in Rutherford for the past 14 years, the Goffin's, of Morris Township, have kept an eye on the business pulse in Morristown, waiting.

Last year, as was the case before, Morristown Partnership Executive Director Michael Fabrizio asked Barry, "isn't it time to come back?"

And, finally, Barry said, he agreed.

"There's an energy here, the timing was right," Barry said while he and his wife tended to customers in their new store, which opened on Jan. 24.

While Goffin's Hallmark had been a card store that sold gifts, both Barry and Marilyn acknowledged that times have changed, and they would have to change along with them. It also lead to the family opting to give their store a new name, despite some in the community remembering "Goffins."

"It's a new image," Barry Goffin said.

Barry and Marilyn said a lot of what they wanted in the space–an open floor plan, high ceilings, a faux-wood finish on the floor–was already in the space. All it would need is some maintenance, paint and, of course, merchandise.

Instead of a card base, 23 South is selling items in price ranges from $3 to $600, from designer-name handbags to Godiva-brand chocolates, as well as speciality candles ranging in price from $20 to $50.

Ashley Dunker, a Bridgewater resident working in Morristown, said she was excited to see 23 South open up as quickly as it did following Scotti's closure. "We love to get out of the office," she said as she looked through $10 bracelets. "It's great there's something new here."

When looking back at what their family had been to the business community in Morristown, Barry said he was excited to be as deeply involved once again.

"It's all expanding, and we want to be a part of it," he said.

23 South is located at 23 South St. in Morristown. For more information, including store hours, call 973-590-2500 or visit 23 South on Facebook.