Chester Business Of The Year Nominee: Rows Of Purl

CHESTER, NJ — The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for most local businesses, but that hasn't stopped many from continuing to offer the products and services beloved by their regular customers.

One of those businesses is Chester's Rows of Purl.

The business was nominated by Patch readers as a business of the year for managing to navigate the turbulence with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to the clients they serve.

"Rows of Purl is a unique yarn and gift shop in Chester. When the pandemic required closure of non-essential businesses, they had to close as well. As an avid knitter, I did not agree that yarn stores were not essential, but they did not ask me," Jeri Minter told Patch.

Owner/Instructor Jenny Monteleone went out of her way to let her customers know that curbside pickup was available and would even zoom with customers to show them yarn that would work for their project, Minter noted.

"She sent out regular emails with projects, classes, new arrivals, etc. so her customers could stay in touch. When businesses were allowed to open, she allowed customers to set up appointments if they were concerned about being in the store with anyone else. This store is such a creative venue for all of us who needed an outlet during quarantine," Minter said. " We could not go to the gym, eat out, or shop the mall, but Jenny and Rows of Purl were always there for us when we needed yarn, supplies, help with a project or just encouragement that all would be right with the world. Rows of Purl is an incredible store with friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent products and has been a welcome addition to Chester in normal times. But in the chaos of 2020, they have been a lifesaver to myself and others."

That community feeling set up by the shop, is no accident. One of the values the store promotes on their website is quality and customer service as a part of their daily practices.

Have a business you would like to see in a special spotlight? As a Patch reader, you can nominate a Local Businesses of the Year.

Please tell us the name of the business, where it is located, why it deserves to be recognized and what specific actions have earned your allegiance. Please be as specific as possible, as your comments may be included in a Patch feature article about the local business.

You can nominate any local business you feel should be recognized. That includes retail stores, restaurants, hardware shops, dry cleaners, plumbers, car mechanics, salons and more. You can even nominate the business you work for if you feel they've gone above and beyond in helping their employees through this uncharted time.

Patch will feature nominated businesses in December.

Please submit your nomination by Dec. 10.

Additionally, if you are a local business owner who would like to share more information about your services and offerings, sign up to be included in Patch's free Local Business Information Center.

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