Frazzleberries celebrates 20th anniversary

WARWICK — Since first opening its doors in Warwick in 1996, Frazzleberries has developed a reputation as one of Warwick's favorite sources for rustic home furnishings and gifts.
Founded by MaryBeth Schlichting, a self-trained folk-artist, Frazzleberries originally opened in a modest storefront on Warwick's Railroad Avenue.
After several successful years, Schlichting expanded the business to Main Street, with a subsequent expansion into its present location just three years later.
On Thursday, Nov. 3, public officials, along with members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, joined Schlichting, her family, staff and friends to celebrate Frazzleberries' 20th anniversary.
One of the best gift shops in the Hudson ValleyFrazzleberries has received numerous awards, including being consistently voted as one of the best gift shops in the Hudson Valley. Schlichting has also been a featured contributor in numerous national trade publications, including "Gift-Beat" and "Gifts and Decorative Accessories Monthly."
In 2004, she was joined in the business by her eldest son, Jerry, who expanded the business with an additional location in Newport, Rhode Island.
And today, Frazzleberries' Newport has expanded twice and has been recognized by various local and regional publications for their eclectic mix of rustic coastal home décor.
In 2010, the Frazzleberries leadership team was expanded with the addition of Jerry Schlichting's wife, Katie.
She brought years of experience in the gift industry back to Warwick and expanded the offerings in women's accessories and apparel, while also taking command of social media and online sales.
"It certainly is hard to believe that so much time has passed so quickly," said MaryBeth Schlichting. "Starting out as a working mom with three school-age children, I never had a grand plan. But I am certainly grateful for the success we have had and for the friendships with have made with our guests over the years. We have been blessed to have the support of such a wonderful community like Warwick."
Destination FrazzleberriesFrazzleberries is one of the most active and popular destinations for visitors.
On Nov. 5 and 6 it hosted folk-artist Billy Jacobs for his sixth annual Folk-Art Trunk Show and Signing.
The store will also continue its local celebration on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, with an exclusive in-store trunk show for local photographer Jason Williamsen.
And as part of the upcoming Home for the Holidays celebration Frazzleberries will also be celebrating its 20th year of partnership with the Buyers' Choice collection of hand-made Christmas collectibles.
Continue the tradition "I feel very lucky to have been able to return to live and work in my hometown and to help carry on the tradition my Mom has started," said Jerry Schlichting. "Mom has always held a special place in her heart for all of her customers and for her fellow Warwick merchants. That has certainly rubbed off on Katie and I."
Katie Schlichting added: "We have school age children ourselves now and we just hope that we will be able to continue to the tradition for the next 20 years."
For additional information about upcoming events, call 988-5080 or visit www.frazzleberries.com.
- Roger Gavan