MONROE, CT — Millie Jo’s on Main: Boutique & Gifts, a small shop housed in a yellow clapboard building at 444 Main Street, offers women and girls’ clothing, jewelry made on the premises, a charm bar, gifts and a selection of home decor.
Owner, Maureen “Moe” O’Malley of Monroe, said Millie Jo’s also hosts private parties and shopping events.
“This is my first store,” she said of her business venture. “I decided Monroe needed something like this. We have a lot of women’s and girls’ clothing for all ages — something for everybody.”
The store is named after O’Malley’s six-year-old niece, Millie Jo Veteri, whose parents own One More Rep, a gym at 435 Main St. in Monroe.
“There’s no one like that kid. She’s unique,” O’Malley said.
Of the new store, Bried Veteri, who is O’Malley’s sister and Millie Jo’s mother, said, “I love it. I think it’s a great plus to the town. She’s been doing awesome.”
“It was a big thing in our family, but we love it,” Veteri said of the business being named after one of her daughters. “It’s a great name and Millie loves it. She tells everybody about it.”
Though Millie Jo’s on Main first opened on May 18, local officials and members of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce had just welcomed the new business to town with a ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday afternoon.
First Selectman Terry Rooney, State Sen. Jason Perillo, R-21st, Monroe Chamber President Ray Giovanni and Lawren Hubal and Sunny Gill of the Monroe Economic Development Commission attended the event.
“On behalf of the town of Monroe, we’d like to welcome your business to town: Millie Jo’s on Main,” Rooney said after cutting the ribbon with Millie Jo. “This business is a perfect example of what we’re looking for.”
The first selectman recalled a time when he served on Town Council as liaison to the Economic Development Commission, when there were discussions over the need to find more “artistic, eclectic” types of businesses to fill smaller vacant commercial spaces in town.
“This is absolutely perfect. You have some beautiful clothing,” Rooney said. “Thank you so much for starting your business here and continuing your path to success in Monroe.”
Giovanni said, “I just want to say thank you to your family for the dedication and commitment that you’re bestowing upon our town and all the good work you’re doing.”
He also welcomed O’Malley as the newest Monroe Chamber of Commerce member and said the organization will support her business in any way possible.
Millie Jo’s on Main is open seven days a week: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. O’Malley said she will expand her hours soon.
She said her customers include lot of women from Monroe, Easton, Newtown and Trumbull. Millie Jo’s also sells its merchandise online, having shipped purchases to customers as far away as North Carolina, Illinois, Texas and California.
“It’s catching on,” she said. “It’s been exciting. I’m fortunate to have a lot of support from my family and friends.”
To arrange for a private party or event at Millie Jo’s, contact O’Malley on social media or call the store at 203-220-8596. Visit the store’s website and follow it on Facebook and Instagram.
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