The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Bella Luna store shines with new life
MORRIS » Whether you’re driving through Litchfield County this season, or you live here year round you will want to make a stop at a new shop in Morris, Bella Luna Gifts, located on Watertown Road, which opened in April.
The shop marries the building’s rich history with unique and eclectic gifts that offer a personal touch you won’t find anywhere else. It has everything from baby gifts, to coffee mugs, candles, jewelry and other beautifully crafted, personalized gifts.
“The original structure was built in the 1760s. It was carriage house for a tavern,” said Morris resident David Robert, store and building owner.
Robert said the building also served as a stagecoach stop in the late 1700s. It was a tavern until 1980; then, Morris resident Marjorie Munson operated a fabric and gift shop there for 25 years.
Robert purchased the 1,500 square-foot property in 2010, when it fell into disrepair. He repaired and rented it to a man who sold antiques, for several years.
“2016 was when co-owner of the shop Anita Cilfone and I met. She liked the building and she had a vision for it,” said Robert.
Cilfone said she drove by it for years, hoping someone would open a business again at the location.
“She saw the potential in the building and I was ready to renovate the building. I really wanted a business in here that I was a part of, because I put my heart and soul into this building,” said Robert. “We both had the same vision for the building. Anita has 20 years in retail and I could see she was passionate about the business and the desire to have your own place.”
Over the course of this past year, they gutted the building and did a full renovation. The original ceiling in the building is still in place, in keeping with the beauty of the structure.
“I enjoyed it. I had a vision for it and it came out probably better than I imagined,” said Robert, who also owns Versatile Excavating Service in Morris. “A lot of it was based on the time I would have. I wanted to do a lot to it, but I knew I was limited with the contractors.”
On the outside of the shop they wanted to add beautiful landscaping and cobble curbing and plantings. Those driving by can’t miss the bright purple doors and picturesque window displays.
“We wanted people to come in by the way it looks on the outside,” said Robert. “I knew that was going to be a good part of the marketing. We have a lot of drive-by traffic so we wanted to make it inviting,” said Robert. “On the inside, we wanted it to be inviting.”
Robert said 98 percent of the people who drop in are surprised, especially those that remembered the building years before. It wasn’t a beautiful space — it was quite rustic.
When it came to deciding what he wanted the shop to be, Robert said he several ideas, but Cilfone always knew it needed to be a gift shop.
“It’s relaxing. All our customers say that and they come in and de-stress,” said Cilfone. “And I think it’s because we have such an eclectic collection. We have all price ranges.”
Cilfone said the shop is very affordable and people are very pleased with its affordability.
“I think people are looking for more personalized service. They can just wander around. Still, they like to suggest things, especially with clothing,” said Cilfone.
Robert said his biggest concern when they were discussing opening a business, was the popularity of online shopping.
“Retail business as a whole is in sad shape,” said Robert.
Cilfone said malls are now going out of business because people miss the, small, quaint shops that are not found in malls.
“People come in here and have fun,” said Cilfone.
Robert said he does some shopping online because it is convenient, but he said he can’t imagine people shop online because it’s enjoyable.
Cilfone said customers like the personalized experience that the store offers and one-of-a-kind items found in the shop.
Cilfone said there are plans to have workshops in the store, along with a wall that will feature local artists.
One such workshop will teach how to make bath bombs on June 22 at 6:30 p.m., by reservation. Olive my Skin, based in Oxford, which makes wood wick soy candles and skin care products will present the workshop.
The shop also has a Little Free Library on the premises where anyone can give a book and get a book in exchange for free.
The shop is located at 11 Watertown Road in Morris. For more information, visit Bella Luna on Facebook or call 203-768-9930.