Carol Ann's Linen Closet: A shopper's delight

MILFORD — Enter Carol Ann’s Linens on Broad Street in Milford and you won’t want to leave. First, there is the wonderful fragrance of sachets, candles, and potpourris beckoning you to come in. Then there is the official greeter, Rosie, a well-mannered dachshund who loves people and gives you a great welcome. Rosie is outdone, however, by Carol Ann Sklar herself, who is a warm, nurturing, and genuine person. Sklar is as creative and original as her store which she opened 11½ years ago. She is like a Martha Stewart with heart, mixed with a morsel of Julia Childs, and a dash of Ellen De Generes’ sense of humor She has a strong business background and at the age of 35 graduated with an MBA (with high honors in finance) from Pace University. Sklar also loves to cook, and will often have hot chocolate and her “to-die-for” biscotti in the store around the Christmas holidays. When Sklar started her store, the premise was to have quality home fashions for less. She wanted to surround herself with things she loved; beautiful fabrics, textures, smells, colors. She has maintained that all these years. We asked her how she is able to compete with the Marts (namely, Wal- and K-), her answer was immediate; “Service, Selection, and Quality.“ Sklar’s customers, many of whom come not only from Milford, but are regulars from around the tri-state area, would agree. One has the sense of hominess and small town familiarity at the Linen Closet. Sklar thinks of her customers as family and they clearly feel the same way. There is a huge selection of products to furnish and decorate homes, whether you have a cozy cabin or a grand country manor. There are Heritage Lace curtains, table covers, runners, and doilies. There are multi-colored throw pillows, sleeping pillows, sheets, quilts, and even silk pillowcases. There are woven tapestry wall hangings, an abundance of luscious thick towels, and a superior line of hand, body, and bath creams from Cali Cosmetics. Actually, these cosmetics are made with Italian ingredients from the Baronessa Consuelo Cali, but made here in the U.S. Sklar ships the Cali line all over the country. In addition, she also caries Greenleaf Fine Fragrances, Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, and Victorian Heart. Sklar also will do special orders. Many of the items in the store are customer-driven because of customer requests and tastes. When new customers come to the Linen Closet, they are often are surprised that the products can be so good and yet the prices are reasonable. For example, washcloths are 5 for $5, beautiful hand towels are $2.50 each and oversized (30x58) bath towels are $8.99. One of the specialties of the store are the word pillows. Sklar’s sense of humor is evident in some of these throw pillows. For $10 each, you can find one of these 8x12 in pillows with some of the following on them: “Hand over the chocolate and nobody gets hurt.” “We’ve been through a lot together and most of it was your fault” “Grandfathers: so easy to operate, a child can do it.” The store is currently in the midst of a clearance sale from now till the end of February; and Sklar always has free gift wrapping. She can also make customized gift basket and ship items for her customers. She has been generous with the community and helps to support as many causes as she can. She will always willing to display a sign. One of the most exciting things Sklar is planning is a special “Linen Luncheon” to be held at the store on March 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The luncheon is free and people are invited to share food, fun, and new product information for the spring line. There will also be some special surprises. So, get up, get out of the house, and go to “the closet.” She may even have some of her famous biscotti. Carol Ann’s Linen Closet 317 Broad Street, Milford, PA Phone: 570-296-7703 www.carolannslinencloset.com Hours: 11a.m.-5 p.m. every day