Brenner's Children's Shop in Norwood, MA, Recalls the Mom and Pop Stores of Yesteryear


Article and Photo by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com

Sometimes, local "Mom and Pop" stores are the true "superstores," and nowhere is that more evident than at Brenner's Children's Shop in Norwood, MA.

Hopelessly and happily stuck in a time warp, Brenner's has served the Norwood community for over 30 years with children's clothing and Girl and Boy Scout uniforms, insignia, basic handbooks and some crafts. The long narrow look of the store is old-fashioned and somewhat disorganized, yet highly personable. The back-in-time window displays with mannequins in Scout uniforms and baby clothing looks like something out of an old-black-and-white movie depicting small-town America. The elderly owners, sometimes exchanging good-natured bickering, pride themselves on knowing their inventory and if one, by chance doesn't know where something is, the other will find it within a heartbeat. They add up total costs the old-fashioned way, by pen or calculator.

Those of us older than 45 can remember this type of downtown store where we reluctantly went with our parents, usually before the beginning of school. That reluctance has turned into utter joy and honor to see such stores like this still in business. The selection is surprisingly good and up-to-date, despite the feeling of being in another era in a store the size of some modern day department store fitting room areas. What isn't up-to-date is the "How can I help you?" customer service you get the minute you walk in the store, and we hope that doesn't change for as long as Brenner's continues to serve, with pride, local Norwood and vicinity customers.

Brenner's Children's Shop
694 Washington St.
Norwood, MA
Tel. (781) 762-2276

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Good Eeeevening!: A Perspective on New Hampshire Meteorologist Al Kaprielian

Article by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com Somewhere in the 1980s, my esteemed Arlington High School journalism teacher Len Tammaro tipped me off about a New Hampshire television weatherman that he called "Crazy Al Kaprielian." That night, I couldn't believe what I saw: this nerdy-looking guy with a high-pitched voice flailing his arms all over the weather map, contorting his face in every direction, and squealing, "Good Eeeevening!" and "HIGH PRESSURE!" (his future trademark phrases)." All that boundless energy and the myriad antics left the viewer laughing, yet enervated at the same time. In this world of slick, Ken and Barbie television meteorologists, Al Kaprielian has been the antidote to the standard, unctuous television personality. Twenty-five years later, Al is still going strong on MyTV New England with his unique style --perhaps validation that he really loves his job. No doubt, Al has always been an unconventional, unique-looking a
Read more

Visiting My Grandmother Had That Antiques in Wrentham, Mass.

Image
My Grandmother Had That...Antiques  in Wrentham, Mass., is one of those "hidden gem" antique stores that is jam-packed with antiques, collectibles and other items from the past. Located in a charming, two-story old red barn at 446 South St. (Route 1A), My Grandmother Had That...Antiques certainly lives up to its name. You'll find furniture, lamps, desks, chairs, plant holders, fine China sets and just about everything your grandma had, and also didn't have -- like a web address, Facebook fan page or any hint on the Internet that this place exists! Unless you're a Wrentham native, one familiar with the antiques industry, have driven by the red barn on South St., or somebody that just reads maps of Wrentham all day, My Grandmother Had That...Antiques is as hard to find as the rarest antique. You won't even find the name, "My Grandmother Had That," on the building, just a sign that states "Antiques." The My Grandmother Had That name is on
Read more

Where To Live In Connecticut That Has A Small Town Feel?

Image
Noank, Conn. Editor's note: We recently received an email from one of our readers looking to possibly move to Connecticut. Here is her inquiry, followed by our response... Hi, my name is Courtney and I found your website completely truthful and helpful. I talked to my cousin who lives in the northern part of the east coast and she described exactly what you did! I am currently in Orange County, California, and don't like the "ingenuinity" (we're assuming the word is"disingenuous") and mindset of the people. I have found that Connecticut is a place with great weather and has a lot if cities with a small town feel. I was wondering if there was any way that you could help me specify my search in CT? I would like a city with a small town feel where your neighbors are sweet, but it still has a high quality of life. Essex and Stonington caught my eye, but I've never been so I can't say! Thank you for your time. Thank-you for your inquiry. We d
Read more