Zutano celebrates 20 years, opens a new store
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A passerby peers in the window of the Zutano store Monday on Main Street in Montpelier. STEFAN HARD/TIMES ARGUS |
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By SARAH HINCKLEY Times Argus Staff - Published: June 9, 2009
MONTPELIER – In its 20th year, Cabot-based Zutano is celebrating not only two decades in business, but a new partnership with one of Manchester's most reputable businesses, the Northshire Bookstore.
While the final designs and décor are still being put in place, the business known for its colorful baby clothes is up and running in Manchester Center. Zutano has opened a store-within-a-store in the children's section of the southern Vermont bookstore.
With their home and factory based in Cabot, Uli and Michael Belenky are excited to be opening a third store.
Zutano products are designed by Uli Belenky, who wanted more choices in infant and toddler wear 20 years ago when her baby was born. The Belenkys lived in New York City at the time and began their small business by selling in area boutiques. When the business continued to grow, they moved to Vermont and subsequently opened their first store in Montpelier.
A year and a half ago, the couple brought Zutano back to stand on its own in New York City by opening a store-within-a store in toy store giant FAO Schwartz.
"It did tremendously well the first year," said Michael Belenky in Cabot on Monday, adding the recent purchase of FAO Schwartz by Toys R Us has created some uncertainty. "There's lots of confusion right now."
With the Manchester move, the couple has worked with Chris Morrow, whose family owns Northshire Bookstore, to create an authentic Zutano experience.
"Chris has been on the forefront of this Vermont First campaign," said Belenky, noting that when the bookstore wanted to offer more for its clients with children it looked for a company based in the Green Mountain State.
"We worked together to create a wonderful environment there," said Belenky.
Zutano items can also be purchased via the World Wide Web, in more than 1,500 gift and specialty boutiques and retailers worldwide and in downtown Montpelier.
A grand opening is planned in July for the new Zutano store at 4869 Main Street in Manchester Center.
"We are really excited to have Zutano's presence at the Northshire," said Morrow in a release. "We are putting more and more effort into making our children's section world class. This is a great opportunity for both partners, as Zutano represents an internationally-respected brand with deep roots in Vermont, and the store will be an amazing complement to our product offerings in the children's department."
Contact Sarah Hinckley at sarah.hinckley@timesargus.com.
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