Store To Help Small Businesses And Artists To Open In Port Jeff

The Shelf, a store that will provide shelf space for small businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase and launch their products, will open in April in Port Jefferson.

The Shelf will open at 218 East Main St. on Friday, April 19 and will focus on "helping others be all that they can be through showcasing their works, selling their works on line and scheduling events that allow the community to connect through face to face contact with the all the sellers in the store," according to Diana Walker, the owner.

"As a corporate financial executive for the last 30 years I have sat on many corporate and economic development boards helping small businesses in Suffolk County to grow and train its workforce ," Walker said. "It is through this involvement that I identified a need for a brick and motar that can help start ups, artists and artisans to bring their products and talents to the community at minimal cost."

Walker said the Shelf will be unique because she and her team are striving to "connect creative minds with the community."

The Shelf will donate a portion of certain product sales to local charities.

Photos: The Shelf