IndependentNEPA | Touch of Eyelet | Forty Fort, PA

Touch of Eyelet | Forty Fort, PA | Floral & Gift Shop

Patricia Kupstas and Ann Marie Mancini

Touch of Eyelet	Phone: (570) 283-3048
1188 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA

Profiles In Business Excellence: Touch of Eyelet

Jenna Hawley

    Walking into Touch of Eyelet feels a little like stepping into the home of a good friend. The atmosphere inside the French doors is cozy and comfortable, with sunlight slanting through large windows, and the air smells faintly of flowers and candles. Co-owner Patricia Kupstas notes that the setup of the store is intentional, so people are actually able to imagine the items in their homes.
    One feature that draws people to the store is the calm atmosphere. Co-owners Patricia and Ann Marie Mancini say that customers like coming in, sometimes just to relax.
    "We have regulars who come in on their lunch break," said Ann Marie.
    "They just feel comfortable."
    Patricia and Annie have owned Touch of Eyelet for a little less than three years, but they gained their experience as employees of the Forty Fort shop. Pat had been there 15 years and Annie, 12, when the previous owner retired and they purchased it.
    The women describe the transition from employment to ownership as "smooth," because they retained their loyal customers, expanded and improved their product lines, and added a large floral section for the home and office. The first change was the location. Touch of Eyelet is now situated right on Wyoming Ave., in Forty Fort, in a spacious Victorian building with a 30-car parking lot. Another change included the elimination of fabric and quilting supplies.
    "Our success is due mainly to our customers," said Annie.
    The store offers the services of two designers- Diane, who specializes in christening gowns, and Elaine, who designs communion and flower girl dresses. Floral designer Sallie Brace-Ermish provides services of custom floral designs and arrangements at the store. Another longtime staff member, Sallie, has been with the business for almost 21 years. The staff also provides décor assistance in homes and businesses during the holidays.
    Touch of Eyelet offers unique, quality items in a variety of brands, at reasonable and competitive prices. It is now fully stocked with spring and summer merchandise, with new arrivals daily.