By Jason Messick on November 23, 2023
Chatham, NJ – At Purple Aardvark, Carolyn Cherry and Sandy Casey provide unique shopping experiences featuring local artists and meticulously crafted products made in the USA. Discover an exclusive collection that showcases the best of American craftsmanship and supports talented artists from the community.
Carolyn and Sandy are dedicated to providing personalized service. They offer a wide range of high-quality, made-in-the-USA products, including home decor, jewelry and even last-minute gift ideas. As a locally owned and operated business, they take pride in offering a unique experience that big corporations have overlooked. With their expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, Carolyn and Sandy are here to ensure you receive exceptional service and find the perfect items that suit your needs and preferences.
We sat down with Carolyn for a quick interview.
How did you get the idea for your business?
“We aspired to establish an exceptional, year-round craft exposition reminiscent of a solid brick-and-mortar establishment. Having served as the head of the local chamber of commerce, I witnessed countless gifted artisans devoting exhaustive efforts to showcase their talents. It was tiring, involving countless hours of set-up, dismantling, and hauling. This sparked a revelation – a sanctuary where their exquisite creations could be showcased indefinitely rather than at just time-limited events.
“Consequently, we collaborated with numerous artisans who operate on consignment, fostering a mutually beneficial arrangement that allowed us to reduce upfront inventory expenses. I invited Sandy to harness her prodigious jewelry-making expertise during this auspicious juncture. Our children were already embarking on their paths, so we seized the opportunity with audacious determination.”
How did you come up with the name of your business?
“As we embarked on our quest for suitable real estate, a rather peculiar coincidence transpired. On several occasions, either one or both of us unknowingly sported some form of purple apparel. Recognizing this fortuitous occurrence, we decided to capitalize on it. However, we were adamant that our brand identity should not appear condescending or overly preachy.
“Instead, we desired an enigmatic title that would pique people’s curiosity, compelling them to venture within our doors. Hence, “The Purple Aardvark” was born – an homage to our unwavering penchant for cladistics during our real estate endeavors.”
Do you support any local charities?
“Sandy and I are both passionate volunteers at a dog rescue. Not only do we have our foster dogs here at the store, but they also have a way of drawing the kids in. It’s pretty amusing. We’ve had the pleasure of hosting over 40 dogs, and let me tell you, we even organize dog adoption events during certain times of the year. It’s truly an experience you don’t want to miss!”
What do you love the most about Chatham, NJ?
“The sense of community is like having your newscast with everyone in the loop and looking out for each other. It’s like having your reality show where everyone knows what’s happening, and no one misses a beat. The best part is you have a front-row seat to all the action!”
If you could share one tip with the readers for choosing a unique shopping experience, what would it be?
“Local businesses are the lifeblood of our beloved country, representing an extension of ourselves and our values. Every item carefully curated in our store is chosen purposefully, leaving little to chance. With years of experience, we’ve developed a sassy charm that grows each year.
“Please take a moment to explore our line of snarky products on our website, as we believe in embracing life with a hearty dose of humor. As we mature, this characteristic becomes even more prominent, making our journey all the more captivating.”
Visit the Purple Aardvark in Person or Online
When you find yourself in the Chatham, NJ, area needing a unique gift or experience, there’s only one place to turn to – the Purple Aardvark. Or visit them online. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of delight and surprise!
Purple Aardvark 240 Main Street
Chatham, NJ 07928
973-346-2649
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