Flexible hours, seven days a week.
That’s the key to a successful business in times of COVID. That, and providing exceptional service paired with quality product, which has also afforded The Colony Shop to flourish for nearly a century. For 75 years, the business, now located at 31 E. Main Street in Patchogue Village, has been serving the community and beyond with the latest clothing, toys and accessories.
Eloise Staudinger first opened the shop in 1946, renting space in the Ackerly Building just east of the shop’s location today, next to the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts. The Colony Shop migrated two times over, to 35 West Main Street and 32 West Main Street, before landing its current spot.
Staudinger died in 2010, just shy of 102, leaving the shop to her daughter, Lari Fiala, and her granddaughter (Fiala’s niece), Lori Belmonte. Belmonte’s mother (Fiala’s sister), Judy Gueli, also worked at the shop before her death in 2006. Together, they continued to develop the small business known as one of the founders of Patchogue Village’s Main Street today.
Eloise Staudinger was born in 1908 and moved to Greenport as a young child. She received the first commercial high school diploma ever awarded in Greenport in 1925. In 1931, she married Raymond Staudinger and had two daughters. They were later divorced, though she was able to manage a business and raise children, all on her own. She originally owned a knitting shop, frequently giving lessons and knitting clothing; at night she managed a nightclub. In 1946, she moved to Patchogue and opened The Colony Shop. During her time in Patchogue, she organized the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee and chaired the annual fundraiser. She is honored and remembered for her service by the walkway on West Main Street, created in her name.
Lari Fiala was born in 1935 and moved to Patchogue at the age of 10. After graduating from Patchogue High School in 1953, she went to work at her mother’s shop. She moved to East Patchogue and married Frank Fiala, who died in 1982. Lari Fiala is an active member of the Woman’s Club in Patchogue, a charter member of the Patchogue Lioness Club and served as the chairperson of the Walk for A Guide Dog committee. She has also served as a chairperson for the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce and secretary for the Patchogue Business Improvement District.
Lori Belmonte, now co-owner of the shop, graduated from East Islip Hewlett School in 1975 and began working full-time. She did her first fashion show for the shop at 18 months old. Currently, she also serves as the chairperson to the chamber’s Business Promotion Committee and helps plan Family Fun Nights and the Fall Festival as well as Midnight on Main. She is the first vice president of the Patchogue Lioness Lions Foundation and the BID. She also served on the village’s Architectural Review Board. She lives in the village.
Their motto: “Every child deserves to look and feel their very best.” But what they love most is being recognized for how wonderful their shop is and being able to take part in Communion season.
“I love helping little girls pick the perfect Communion dress and accessories,” Fiala said, true to her nature.
Customers come as far as Nassau County and Queens to shop the brands and selection at their store, which features racks and racks of delicate Communion and Christening dresses, boys’ suits, outer, birthday and occasion wear, as well as the finest toys and accessories. They carry sizes from birth to size 14.
“They are certainly one of our most historical businesses in Patchogue,” said chamber executive director David Kennedy, congratulating them on 75 exceptional years in business. “I don’t think there is a child that grew up in Patchogue that didn’t get a formal outfit from The Colony Shop.”
He also noted that both Fiala and Belmonte are integral parts of the community and chamber.
“The biggest success of this village has always been our downtown, with our longstanding businesses like The Colony Shop,” added Village of Patchogue mayor Paul Pontieri. “It’s businesses like Colony Shop that make Patchogue the place that it is today.”
Loyal customer Fran Zinna said she has been shopping at The Colony Shop since she was born in 1949. The first dress her mother purchased was a satin Christening dress that she had not only worn herself, but saved for both her daughters.
“Growing up, my mother always headed to The Colony Shop whenever I needed clothes – whether it be for school, dress or play. Some of my earliest memories are of choosing my entire Easter outfit including a hat, gloves and patent-leather pocketbook,” she said. “The years passed, and I too became a mother who headed to The Colony Shop for our two daughters.”
Now, as a grandmother, her two daughters frequent the shop themselves, dressing her four granddaughters as well.
“The Colony Shop will always hold a special place in my heart,” Zinna said.
In celebration of their anniversary, The Colony Shop will be raffling off $75 gift certificates each month through May; a purchase is necessary for entry. Belmonte and Fiala are always adding new pieces to their inventory and are willing to answer any questions at 631-605-7278.
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