By Sue Baldani

As the owner of Christine’s Bath & Gift Boutique on Main Street in Clinton, Christine Mauro had a front-row view of the town. When things started to normalize after the pandemic, she came to a realization.

“I noticed an influx of younger families moving to the area,” she says. “When their jobs went remote or hybrid, they didn’t have to stay close to the City anymore.”

All day long, she watched families with strollers walking by, and this sparked a new business idea. “I started thinking, we need a children's store here.”

Fortuitously, towards the end of January 2022, she spotted a for-rent sign in a window up the street from her gift shop. She didn’t waste a lot of time. In April of 2022, Primrose + Poppy Children’s Boutique opened its doors.

“We take pride in offering a unique selection of sustainable and eco-friendly children's clothing, toys, and games,” says Christine. “The items are organic, fair trade, eco-conscious, and thoughtfully curated from sizes newborn to six toddler.”

Customers are constantly remarking on how soft the clothes are, and since the fabric is organic, no harsh chemicals are used during processing. Some of the clothing is made from bamboo. “It’s very popular in children's clothing and is especially good for children with eczema or those on the spectrum who may not be comfortable wearing something that rubs their skin.”

The toys are also personally curated by Christine, who researches every product. “The toys are educational. I have some Montessori and some Waldorf, and they encourage free play. I just bought a beautiful brand from Poland, and I have brands from Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and the UK.”

All are sustainable, made of materials such as wood for the cars and cloth for the baby dolls. “There are no plastics in my store, and no toy that requires a battery or have screens,” she says.

During the holidays, she has a great assortment of holiday apparel, books, and toys. “The holiday jammies fly out the door, and I have New Jersey themed books too.”

While the quaint, sun-filled boutique is not huge, Christine uses every available space while maintaining enough room to shop comfortably. The shelves are made from sustainable, unpainted wood and the products just pop.

Much thought goes into every aspect of the store. Even the cardboard hangers, as are the complimentary, beautiful gift bags with tissue paper and ribbons, are sustainable. 

When kids come into Primrose + Poppy Children’s Boutique, they love dancing to children's music or playing with items from the little toy box. When they leave, they get a sticker of their choice, which brings many smiles.

Speaking of children, the store name is a tribute to her grandchildren. “My daughter-in-law sent me a message and said she had an idea. ‘Why not name the store Primrose and Poppy?’ My grandson Cameron was born in February and the birth flower for February is Primrose. Christian, his older brother, was born in August, and the birth flower for August is Poppy. Plus, my husband goes by Poppy.”

Today, Christine is the only owner of two businesses on Main Street, and she looks forward to welcoming you to both.

Find out more on Facebook and Instagram (@primroseandpoppy_clinton/#; @christinesbathgifts.)