Sarah ArnoldIf you’ve traveled Front Street since the beginning of September, you may have noticed a new shop has moved into the neighborhood. Wit & Whimzy, at 152 Front Street, opened its doors for business on September 3rd and is one of the newest retail shops on the landscape – as well as Clutch MOV’s first stocking location for our product line! Featuring all USA-made products from artisans and small businesses, Wit & Whimzy offers unique items from jewelry and accessories to greeting cards, home décor, and original art.
Currently, there are over 50 vendors represented in the shop with additional items arriving weekly. The shop’s owner, Laura Pytlik, recently made a bold career change to enter the world of independent retail. Laura was a 14 year employee of Marietta College and the creator of Marietta Marketplace, a pop-up outdoor marketplace at the Armory. Laura had dreamed of opening her own shop for quite some time, and is overjoyed to see Wit & Whimzy come to life.
“Through Marietta Marketplace I’ve met a large network of creative, talented people and amazing small businesses that make unique products,” she explained. “I’ve long admired the dedication and hard work of our local merchants, and volunteering with Marietta Main Street has given me some insight into our downtown and community. I felt the time was right for me to take the step, and I couldn’t resist the charming space for a location.”
While many of the artists and vendors are Ohio based, others are sourced from around the country. The variety of goods includes candles made in Georgia, ties and scarves designed and printed in Detroit, and leather accessories made in Milwaukee. Laura describes Wit & Whimzy as a blend of urban, hometown, and quirky. “I’ve tried to offer items in all price points and for all ages. I have a selection of quality baby items and even a men’s section with hats, ties and grooming products.”
It’s a joy to discover artists and unique products, then see a customer’s pleasure when they find a special item.
Jewelry and T-shirts are amoung the most popular items sold so far. Jewelry artists from Marietta, Columbus and beyond provide a variety of styles, while the t-shirts are produced in Zanesfield, Ohio with Clutch MOV’s designs, which are exclusive to the shop. Other popular items include greeting cards, which range from fanciful to hilarious, temporary tattoos, and home accessories. It is not uncommon to hear shoppers burst out in laughter as they read a card, or a funny bar of soap.
“It’s a joy to discover artists and unique products, then see a customer’s pleasure when they find a special item. Although it’s scary, I love being in charge of my own career and not relying on someone else to make decisions about my future. When I unlock the door in the morning, it’s a great feeling to know that this shop is the result of my own time and efforts. And I feel very blessed to be a merchant in this wonderful town and to have a small part in Marietta’s bright future.”
Wit & Whimzy is open 11:00 – 6:00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11:00 – 8:00 on Thursdays and Fridays, 10:00 – 6:00 on Saturdays and 1:00 – 5:00 on Sundays. “I want to make shopping here convenient for people who may work until 5:00, and give weekend and evening visitors another place to stop while they’re downtown.”
Laura feels she is fulfilling her mission for Wit & Whimzy and hopes to grow while keeping the same aesthetic. “I wanted to open a shop that would add to the diversity of wonderful shops already established, and provide an outlet for artists and artisans to showcase their products.”
For more, visit the website, like the Facebook page and follow along on Instagram!