Fairfield, CT -- For the past five years, Hazel Daze Boutique has been more than just a business for owner Lib DeNure.
“I kept up with friends, acquaintances, neighbors and friends of my children, who grew up here,” said DeNure. “It has kept me involved in the community and engaged with people. It has introduced new loyal customers who have become friends to me. It has provided a meaningful experience for me, connecting to people in a personal, face-to-face way. This is something that we are losing as technology creeps into every facet of our lives and we must work to retain it.”
But now, she is ready for the next phase of her life.
She has already started her “Moving On Store Closing Sale". Merchandise in the store — clothing, accessories and gifts — is currently discounted as Buy One Get One and a free gift comes with each purchase. DeNure is also selling her store’s displays, fixtures and equipment (cash and carry - first come first serve). The store will be open from 12-7 Monday through Saturday.
The store’s final day will occur when everything is sold, hopefully by March 31.
Since she announced her store’s closing, DeNure has been hearing just how important the store is to her customers, which of course makes the decision bittersweet. Some people, she said, want to know where they can shop now because there is nothing like Hazel Daze in town.
Customers who needed a gift on their way to an event could swing by the boutique, find something, have it gift wrapped and be happily sent on their way.
She also said that Hazel Daze became a gathering place for neighbors.
"When we opened, residents of the Grasmere neighborhood were happy to have a nice gift shop in the area. They were very excited and attended the opening party, as well as the monthly give-back evenings that Hazel Daze hosted over the years. Each evening targeted a different charity that DeNure was passionate about," she said.
When Hazel Daze opened, the word “Boutique” was not part of its name, but it was added because of the popularity of women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. Locally crafted handmade jewelry was one of the highlights at Hazel Daze. Customers loved the fact that Hazel Daze supported local artists and that each item had a story. "It was a bookkeeping nightmare at times, especially during the busy holiday seasons, but I was happy to give these talented people a venue to show and sell their work," DeNure said.
“We always focused on something that you wouldn’t find everywhere, that was unique, that was based in altruism, that helped people in some way,” DeNure said. One of her favorite causes was supporting Our Woven Community, a non-profit out of Burroughs Community Center in Bridgeport. Even as Hazel Daze closes, customers can go directly to Burroughs and buy beautiful bags and accessories supporting women refugees now living in the greater Bridgeport area.
“There was a real sense of community,” DeNure said of her boutique. “And it was one of the last generations, I think, of brick-and-mortar store experiences. When men and women shopped at Hazel Daze, they got personal attention, a relaxing shopping experience, and always a good conversation."