As a young child, Michelle Milligan Pietrolaj, loved going into the soda fountain at Butler’s Pharmacy. As the business grew, so did Pietrolaj’s passion for one day owning something similar.
Pietrolaj, who owns the Atrium Florist, became the new owner of the gift shoppe Jan. 1, and has changed the name to Annadale’s, but promises to carry on the age-old traditions the community has grown to love.
“I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of the downtown businesses,” Pietrolaj said.
Always having a passion for helping families during their time of need, Pietrolaj felt expanding her business base from just the Atrium to the gift shoppe, would allow her to offer more to her customers. Purchasing the local business was an easy transition, allowing the business woman to step right in and get the hang of things.
“I loved seeing this place when I was a child,” Pietrolaj, who is from Sampson County, shared. “Even when I was young, I knew that one day I wanted to own a business like this.”
While most of the business will continue like it is, there will be a few additions to the inventory. Customers will still have the opportunity to purchase bridal gifts, Pandora jewelry, Vera Bradley, and Cotton Colors, but will now be able to walk in and pick up small gift items that are perfect for every holiday.
“We will most definitely keep the things we are known for,” Pietrolaj explained.
This includes the fresh baked cookies, hand dipped ice cream, orangeades, lemonades, vanilla Coke and more.
“I can guarantee that our customers will get the one-on-one, compassionate service that we have been known to provide,” Pietrolaj said. “My goal is to make myself and my employees available to the customers and always be visible when they come in.”
Expanding the business empire to include the downtown business, Pietrolaj said, allows the community a chance to shop local and find things they would otherwise have to travel outside of the county to purchase.
Pietrolaj will continue to run the florist and divide her time between the two locations.
The shop is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bridal appointments can also be made to fit the bridal couple’s schedule.