Gardiner & Co. Has Found the Right Formula

If it isn't broke, don't fix it, says Jane O'Grady. She should know – her formula has kept boutique shoe, handbag and accessory store around for nearly a quarter of a century.

The small store at 10 Van Neste Square in Ridgewood is packed with stylish shoes and chic handbags, donning names like Donald Pilner, Claudia Ciuti, Betty Muller and BZ Wallace. 

"The target customer is a stylish woman of any age," says O'Grady, whose love affair with the shoe business started at age 16. "It's a fun shopping experience with lots of wonderful choices and you will leave happy and stylish," she promises.

A good product at competitive prices (shoes typically run about $250), a desirable location and a strong relationship with customers have been the keys to her success, she maintains.

"I love, love, love what I do and I love my customers and the relationships I've made over the years," she beams. "I feel very fortunate...and I marvel I've been able to sustain the recession. I stand by everything I sell or I wouldn't be here for 23 years."

Gardiner & Co. is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.