 "Photo: Rosie Snow")
Nestled between a shoe store and a book store is a small quaint shop with a green awning spelling "bloom" in white letters. But don't let the simple sign fool you because when you step inside Bloom, the shopping experience is hardly simplistic.
Within the first few steps inside the small Main Street store, all senses are stimulated. The inviting smell of soaps, lotions and candles, accompanied by the assortment of colorful products from wall to wall, offer a new way to shop in Newark.
While the store may seem cluttered with an assortment of jewelry, clothing, accessories, notebooks, cards and almost anything else you can think of - in reality, each part of the store is sectioned off in its own unique way.
Shoppers can find products to boost their everyday life. From the simple things like "To Do" pads, decision dice for those everyday hard decisions, "Dirty Girl" soaps or maybe something for your kinky side such as the book, "Sex Advice from DJ's, Sorority Girls... and More," the findings are endless.
But it's not only the products that have made this store a back-to-back "Best Of Newark" winner, but also the friendly vibe you catch as you browse through. Owner Mimi Sullivan-Sparks makes it a point to make every person who walks through her door feel at home.
"We really listen to our customers because they are all special to us," Sullivan-Sparks says. "Even when there is a rush of people we still try to be available for everyone that comes in. Those two men that just walked in seemed a little lost, but we helped them find perfect gifts for their wives."
The store exudes a positive aura with the mix of colors and diverse products.
"I tried to make it a cozy, friendly home and also like an art studio," she says. "And we love to work together which, I think, makes the store a lot of fun to be in."
Sullivan-Sparks is not only friendly with her customers, but also with the artists and designers whose products she sells at her store.
"I love working with the artists and I know them all personally," she says, pointing to her dress designed by one of her favorite designers.
Though there is a plethora of items sold in Bloom, Sullivan-Sparks has her favorite.
"Our jewelry is my favorite," she says. "When we get little packages I know it's jewelry and I'm all over it. I get so excited because it's like Christmas for us. I always open those boxes last because I save the best for last."
So for a shopping experience with originality, uniqueness and just some fun to spunk up the day, look no further than the small green awning on Main Street.
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to our feed
Contact us through email
Be the first to comment on this article!