Hare Hollow celebrates 20 years in Milford

Milford — Celebrating twenty years of life would call for a cake, candles, and gifts. Celebrating twenty years of marriage would call for a dainty china set for two. What about celebrating twenty years of successful business? This was the question confronting Milford’s Hare Hollow, a country gift and furnishings store now rejoicing in its achievements of the last two decades. Walking into Hare Hollow in Milford, Pennsylvania is like taking a step into the past; into a world where the quality of the product matters more than the price and the satisfaction of the customer matters even more. The small store is filled with sunlight from the two large viewing windows, throwing glorious rays of light over the numerous country-side trinkets and fireside treasures. From furniture to candles, kitchenware to wall decor, Hare Hollow has a gift for anyone: a sister, a grandmother, an aunt, or yourself. About that name: as a child, Hare Hollow’s owner Kelly Wilson raised rabbits. Not just ordinary pet rabbits, however, but rabbits for food and show as well. With sometimes over one hundred bunnies to her name, Kelly learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and patience, the same qualities she now incorporates into her business. It was those small, furry, loving animals which inspired Kelly to name her store Hare Hollow. Hare Hollow’s adventure began in March of 1988, when Kelly chose Milford as the ideal spot for her business. The shop was originally located in the old Hotel Fauchere and the first year was rough for the little store. Wilson worked seven days a week. Eventually, the countryside emporium garnered success, gained more employees, and moved across the street to its present location on the corner of Broad and Catherine Streets. Ten years later, Hare Hollow expanded to twice its size and started carrying many more treasures that people have been looking for. Presently Wilson works very diligently, traveling to many “cottage craft” gift shows to choose quality merchandise at reasonable prices for her customers. She spends hours picking out the traditional New England salt-glazed pottery by Salmon Falls of New Hampshire, personalized pottery by Maple City of Illinois, and Sugar Loaf Pottery made by an independent female artist in Ohio. She also takes care in ordering popular collectables such as Boyd Bears, Willow Tree Angels, Cat’s Meow Village, and Yankee Candles. Many people, including tourists, locals, and visitors enjoy the trinkets and furniture, which Wilson changes seasonally, to keep the store looking upbeat and interesting. They also have an extensive variety of linen curtains, braided rugs and floral arrangements that look so real people often ask why the flowers aren’t in a cooler. “We have always set out to provide quality home décor, reasonably priced gifts and furniture to our shoppers. I want them to leave the store feeling good about their purchase,” Wilson says. It is this devotion to its customers which allows Hare Hollow to stand out among the competition. In 2008, Hare Hollow will concentrate more on American made products, particularly pottery, furniture and custom soy candles. “We have always carried a large supply of American made products,” she said, “but this year we plan on offering more quality items which are made in the U.S.A.” The shop will also be expanding their lodge décor offerings and baby department due to popular demand. Although Hare Hollow has planned a lot of exciting changes and enhancements for 2008, regular customers will be delighted to know that they will still be able to find all of their favorite hand crafted items from forged iron and punched tin to stained glass, folk art prints, rag dolls, cards and specialty gourmet gift baskets. The store will also continue to carry a line of Milford apparel such as tees and sweatshirts. Hare Hollow recently launched their website, www.HareHollowCountry.com, where you can find online specials and print discount coupons. The website also features new products and upcoming events. We constantly keep our website fresh, by updating our merchandise each month and we encourage our customers to visit often to see what we’ve added, said Wilson. So what has Hare Hollow decided to do in celebration of its twentieth anniversary? Why, only the biggest month of specials the store has ever seen. She is planning to have more specials, drawings for gift certificates, and free merchandise each week. Shoppers are sure to coming and going all month long to experience the good deals and spectacular gifts. For more information, contact Hare Hollow at 570-296-5757 or visit them online at www.HareHollowCountry.com.