(Credit: Steve Thurston, 2022)
(Credit: Tyler Carpenter of Next Chapter Studio, 2022. Used with permission.)
A new store called (g)row, featuring clothing and toys for children up to age 5, along with maternity clothes and gifts for parents and expectant parents, is set to open Friday, May 27, at 10 a.m. at 18 Exchange Street in downtown Glens Falls. The products will be locally-made when possible.
Melanie Weber and Hillary Williams, both first-time moms, are co-owners of the store in the space formerly occupied by Rude Betty.
“We’re trying to build not just a store, but a community here,” Weber said. “We both love Glens Falls so much and the wonderful community that already exists here. We want kids to feel like a part of the community.”
To that end, Williams said they hope to become a clearinghouse of helpful information for parents, whether it’s a suggestion for a good hike for young families, or a list of local restaurants that have changing stations or plentiful booster seats.
“Parenting is very difficult, especially your first child,” she said. “We plan to hold some classes like prenatal yoga and classes with a doula,” or other family-friendly events.
Those classes and special events will stem from “row,” the parenting support group they are creating “for those who want to live a self-full life and be a great parent," the store's website says.
"Row" is made from their sons' initials: Rhys Williams and Oliver Weber. The store's name, (g)row, grew out of row, so to speak, Weber said.
“Both of us have a desire to not lose ourselves as individuals as we begin parenthood. We want to create a safe space for parents and children that is non-judgmental and provides resources and support for parents,” Weber said.
Weber is Chief Executive Officer of Fronhofer Design, a design firm in Argyle that supplies the craft beverage industry. Her husband, Christian, is co-owner of Common Roots Brewing Company in South Glens Falls. Their son, Oliver, is 13 months old.
Williams is a massage therapist, but, like Weber, confessed to being “an entrepreneur at heart.” Her husband, Thomas, is an emergency room physician at Glens Falls Hospital. Their son, Rhys, is 10 months old.
The two women met while training for a triathlon with T3 Coaching’s Kevin Crossman, Weber’s brother-in-law. As they got to know each other, over long walks while pregnant, they began to talk about the store.
“We decided in December to do it,” Williams said.
They are seeking employees, and said they will offer flexible or minimal hours to accommodate young moms and others with busy schedules.
“We want this to be an inclusive space, and that means being flexible with work options for our employees,” Weber said.
Matt and Nancy Fuller bought the building late last year, and plan to live upstairs after completing renovations. The Fullers have jobs outside of retail but also own Fountain Square Outfitters on Centennial Circle in Glens Falls. Rude Betty is moving to 170 Glen St. and will open this fall, according to a sign in their storefront window.
[Read more about the building sale and Rude Betty here.]