Patchogue's The Colony Shop: A timeless family affair

Amid racks of eye-catching clothes for girls and boys at The Colony Shop in Patchogue hangs a rich family legacy. Three generations of women have worked overtime to make this children’s boutique a Main Street staple since March 1946. 

Lari Fiala, 89, and her niece, Lori Belmonte, 68, who co-own the business, are inspired by the driving force behind the store — Eloise Staudinger, Fiala’s late mother. "My mom was a very good teacher," says Fiala.

Staudinger opened the store for special-occasion clothes for christenings, communions, weddings and home-from-the-hospital ensembles in 1946. She ran it up to her death in 2010 at age 101.

"Up until about five or six months before she passed, my grandmother was still coming to work," says Belmonte, adding that drive and resilience run in the family. "You do what you have to do to make the business work."

Staudinger enforced the golden rule of retail that "the customer comes first," says Fiala. She and her niece have been behind the register at the shop since their respective high school graduations — in 1953 for Fiala and in 1975 for Belmonte, who actually took part in fashion shows at the shop when she was just 18 months old. For the past five decades the women have worked together at the business.

Years of experience and dedication have added up to rewards. Loyal customers come from across Long Island and from out of state. "Customers say, ‘My mother and my grandmother used to shop for me here. Now I'm shopping for my grandchildren,’" says Belmonte. "We do hear that quite a bit, which makes us feel good."

The Colony Shop has children  covered for special occasions from newborn to age 10. Communion dresses run $80 to $500, while christening gowns are priced $80 to $300. Boys suits run $60 and up. Footies for babies start at $18.

Beyond retail commerce, The Colony Shop is known for its strong connection to the community.

Staudinger founded a volunteer beautification committee in Patchogue in 1976. Her name is on a town walkway arch now at 32 W. Main St., in honor of her public service.

Belmonte and Fiala follow her lead, staying involved in the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce and the Lioness Lions Club. Fiala’s favorite pet project is sponsoring pooches for the Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation, which helps the visually impaired.

Running a business is a daily challenge, but it also comes with a wonderful age-defying benefit. "Seeing little babies is rejuvenating," says Fiala.

The Colony Shop, 31 E. Main St., Patchogue, 631-475-0070, thecolonyshop.net.