Barrington businesses celebrating anniversaries

Cousins' shops have been landmarks in Barrington's business landscape

BY JOAN D. WARREN
Posted 12/16/17

Hard work, family values and stellar customer service has been the winning recipe behind the success of three local business, each celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.

The five owners …

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Barrington businesses celebrating anniversaries

Cousins' shops have been landmarks in Barrington's business landscape

Posted

Hard work, family values and stellar customer service has been the winning recipe behind the success of three local business, each celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.

The five owners of Barrington Appliance and TV, Daisy Dig’ ins and Feminine Fancies, all first cousins, have been strongholds in the fabric of the Barrington retail community for 75, 40 and 35 years, respectfully.

In a time where small ‘mom and pop’ businesses rarely compete with ‘big box’ stores and internet shopping, these three businesses have stood the test of time.

They say their work ethic comes from their parents and the older generation's dedication to serving the community as an anchor in the retail world and by giving back to local causes.

A fine-tuned machine

Cousins Mike and John Calitri have been working at the shop their fathers started ever since they were youngsters. Both graduated from Roger Williams University (Roger Williams College at the time) and came back to their hometown to be the second generation to carry on their fathers’ legacy. 

Louis and Michele Calitri opened Barrington Radio & Electric in 1947 after both serving in World War II. They began by selling and repairing radios at the time and evolved into television and appliance sales and repairs as technology advanced after the war.

For decades, the brothers and later with their sons, they provided families in the East Bay and beyond with their all service approach to business.

“People come in and buy a product, we install it and make sure it's running before we leave. We take away old appliances. If there are any problems, we are there to repair. Our customers know that we will go the extra mile to ensure they are satisfied," John said.

Both Louis and Michele have passed on but what they taught their sons remains: service and quality at all costs.

“My dad always said customer service is the key ingredient in this business. We are fortunate to have customers who have been loyal to us for decades. The newer people in town may not be as familiar with what we offer so in 2005 we decided to change the name to Barrington Appliance and TV. The long-timers still call us Barrington Radio & Electric,” Mike said.

Both Mike and John have two children each and it is uncertain if they will pass on the store to their kids. But if genetics play into things, Mike and John will be working well into their 80s — just like their fathers before them.

40 years of diggin’ daisies

Lois Coppolino, owner of Daisy Dig’ins, started her business in 1977. Like her uncles who owned Barrington Radio and Electric Lois had a passion to bring a fine retail outlet for the people of Barrington. Customer service is what she strived for and is committed to. Her steadfast goal is to provide quality unique products while sending off every customer with a smile.

She grew up on Anoka Avenue next door to her first cousin Elaine Felag and together they formed a relationship like sisters.

Graduating from Roger Williams College with a degree in art/education, Lois decided to pursue her passion for flowers and attended Rittner’s School of Floral Design. After completing the program, she was encouraged to open her own floral business. Inspired by her favorite flower, the daisy, Lois opened her own floral business and named it Daisy Dig’ins.

What began as a floral design shop blossomed to include gifts due to Lois’s keen insight that the floral business was changing. Her business grew with the addition of bath and body products, clothing, jewelry, home décor and more. Because of this, Daisy Dig’ins is known as a one-stop shopping destination.

“I have been in business for so long I am doing wedding flowers for the children of my longtime customers who I remember coming in when they were small,” she said.

Living and raising her family in Barrington, Lois has seen how small businesses have been unsuccessful and feels being an active member of the community is important.

“I have always felt strongly that you have to give back. They will support you if you support them. I like to be involved and spent many years on the Barrington Business Association getting the banner program started as well as organizing fall festivals and tree lighting ceremonies. I have been dedicated to what I do and give back when I can,” she said.

Today, Daisy Dig’ins is a store filled with beautifully displayed flowers, gift items and home décor. The displays are constantly changing and new products arrive weekly. What started as a tiny floral design shop, is now a mainstay in the heart of Barrington. They deliver as well.

Lois has no plans to retire or sell her shop.

“I can’t see myself not working,” she said.

The threads of retail are woven in the relationships

Elaine Felag is Mike Calitri’s sister and has owned Feminine Fancies for the majority of her life. A graduate of Providence College, she opened up her woman’s clothing shop after seeing a void in that niche market in town.

With the help of her first cousin Lois, who had already successfully run her floral business in Barrington, she began a love affair with retail shop ownership.

“I love to have a routine. Being at the store is where I feel I am supposed to be. Customer service is my number one priority. I go the extra mile and then some. People remember that and come back. I have been blessed with many good friends I have made through my business,” she said.

Her shop is filled with the latest styles and she only buys a few of each item so they are unique. She goes on buying trips to New York and Canada to find one-of-kind clothing pieces and accessories, but also carries essentials like undergarments, shoes and items that a customer may need in a hurry.

“I always have people coming in before a big event and are scurrying for that perfect shoe or accessory. Just recently a woman came in from out of town and needed a gown for a big event. She found one here and it needed altering. I called up my friend at Alterations Plus and she went right over to get it altered. She was so thankful, but that’s part of customer service. I would do that for anyone,” she said.

As far as the future of the shop goes, Mrs. Felag has no plans to retire.
“I definitely want to continue on. What would I do without it? Although I live in Warren, this is my hometown. I grew up off of Maple Avenue and I feel I have a good rapport with so many people,” she said.

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