Window Shopping @ Willy Nilly Trading Company
Periodically, on The Latest Word Blog, we will introduce you to one of our retail partners from an amazing community of store owners who have helped make Dot & Dash who we are today. We thought it would be a fun opportunity to stroll along the “virtual sidewalk” and peer into store windows and the stories behind them.
Several years ago at our Atlanta Market, the Dot & Dash Design Team met an inspiring east coast store owner, Marilyn Schulman of Willy Nilly Trading Company. Marilyn was a ball of energy and she lit up as she told us a bit about her beautiful boutique in Long Island. This store is housed in the now thriving Bay Shore Downtown Shopping District. Willy Nilly Trading Company has carried the Dot & Dash Line for a little over 3 years. This summer, we caught up with Marilyn and she shared a bit more about her business. “We have been in our current location, a little over 6 years, and in business for over 22 years,” Marilyn explained. Their new boutique offers approximately 6,000 square feet of home, gift and jewelry products to their community.
Whether you’re a tourist taking a ferry over to Fire Island, or a Long Island local, the Bay Shore Downtown District will be a highlight for a day of shopping. If you are seeking the perfect gift for a friend, or picking up a beautiful item for yourself, one key stop in this shopping area will be at Willy Nilly Trading Company. You won’t have any trouble spending an hour or more wandering through the beautiful collection of gifts, jewelry, apparel and home accessories curated by Willy Nilly’s co-owners Marilyn Schulman and Lynn Brey.
Marilyn and Lynn’s store has weathered many storms in this Long Island community. About 22 years ago, Marilyn recalled that, when they were primarily a lighting business, about 40% of the surrounding downtown area was vacant. Marilyn also shared that they loved this community and they wanted to press in to grow their own business and encourage this area. “We were very proud that our store was a part of bringing this area back to life. We helped prove, if we build something good, they will come!” stated Marilyn.
“We currently have about 16 people on our team. We are all focused on making friends - not making sales. We want long term relationships with our community. We want them to have the best time looking without pressure - and have a lovely time every time they come by! Our staff is super positive and most have stayed for a long time - we only have a positive/upbeat approach on our team,” Marilyn added.
“We offer a variety of products at Willy Nilly. Lynn and I truly love curating an eclectic blend of items for our clients. The Dot & Dash line has been such a success for us. Our customers love many of the designs, but the Birthday collection has been a top seller for us. ‘60 and Sassy’ ... ‘50 and Fabulous’ … and ‘Happy Birthday’ are always favorites. Everyone can wear this line - it can be worn on its own or it can be layered. People love to gift Dot & Dash and they also love to pick up a piece for themselves. Our clients also love shopping in the area where they live and play.”
Like many of our retail partners, Willy Nilly is a multi-generational story, having been started as Bay Shore Lighting and Home in 1945, by Marilyn’s parents. Today, the store now flourishes as a bright and welcoming boutique that customers can’t pass by. Dot & Dash Design is grateful to partner with Marilyn, Lynn and their outstanding Willy Nilly Trading Company team as they offer the Dot & Dash line to the community of Bay Shore, Long Island and beyond. We hope you will honor them with your support if you happen to be in their neighborhood …or, please feel free to share this blog post with friends and family members you know in their area.
Visit and learn more at willynillytrading.com or @willynillytrading on Instagram.
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