‘Serendipity’ Fills a Vacant Corner in Doylestown

For nearly two years, the corner space at 33 S. Main in Doylestown has been vacant, but serendipity has its way.

Enter Nicole Beltz.

She is a 2011 graduate of Delaware Valley College’s business program, and the sstore she now occupies had been empty, just about, since she graduated.

Its last occupant was Chico’s, then last year an application to convert it into a restaurant was denied.

Over those two years, Patch readers even gave us suggestions on what they’d like to see in there including a pet store, Pottery Barn, sports store, William-Sonoma, food co-op, Trader Joe’s, hardware store, an Army and Navy and more.

None of them made it; instead, at just 24, Beltz has opened “Serendipity,” which is many shops within one storefront.

“The way our store operates is that we have shop owners from all over,” she said. “They want to expand or try retail so they can come to our store … to test the area and their products without much risk.”

Beltz has more than 20 “shop owners” who have their own space within Serendipity for furniture, clothing, candles, jewelry, home décor, accessories and more.

“Our vendors do not have to work in the store,” Beltz said. “They set up a space ,price their product and we take it from there. The business takes care of all the operations. “

The store opened Monday, but its Grand Opening party is Friday, April 5, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with food, drinks and entertainment. It’s open to all.

This store is actually Beltz’s second location. She opened another Serendipity Avalon, N.J. last fall.  “Some of our vendors from the store in Avalon are joining us in Doylestown,” she said. “And the other vendors found us by word of mouth.”

Or you could call it, serendipity.