[Editor: Here’s the first installment in a new series we’re running through Christmas, catching up with our local New Canaan merchants as they navigate the second straight holiday season since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.]
For this first installment of our Q&A series, we put some questions to Jackie Fucigna, owner of No. 299, a home decor and gift shop at 110 Main St. (next door to Connecticut Muffin). Here’s our exchange.
White marble snowflake board and knife. Photo courtesy of Jackie Fucigna of No. 299 in New Canaan
New Canaanite: Jackie, you opened your New Canaan shop, No. 299, just a couple of months ago. How’s it going?
Jackie Fucigna: No. 299 has been open for two months now and we couldn’t be happier with the response. Traffic has been steadily increasing and shoppers are surprised and excited by their discovery. Everyone who has walked through that door has been so welcoming and we hear the nicest compliments about the shop and its offerings.
Ceramice light up houses, sm, med and lg sizes available. Photo courtesy of Jackie Fucigna of No. 299 in New Canaan
What can local people expect to find in your store?
No. 299 is a well curated assortment of home decor and gifts. A flea market junkie, I collect unique pieces and use them in my shops for display and I love that it keeps the spaces feeling special with almost a vintage vibe. The collection of goods spans from home decor (artwork, mirrors, tabletop, lanterns, pillows, throws, vases, planters, lighting, scented candles, diffusers) to jewelry, apparel and accessories.
Assortment of festive door mats. Photo courtesy of Jackie Fucigna of No. 299 in New Canaan
New Canaanites might your name from the well-established store in Fairfield. Talk to us about what led to your decision to open a location here?
I have always dreamed of opening a second location and having lived in New Canaan for seven years I knew the downtown area would be perfect. Locals support local.
Jill Mason photography in an assortment of images and sizes. Custom orders available. Photo courtesy of Jackie Fucigna of No. 299 in New Canaan
You launched a business here amid the pandemic, though hopefully we are getting back to something more normal. Talk to us about how these past 18 months-plus have gone for your existing business in Fairfield and what is your sense as a shop owner of how customers are responding, now that we’re seeing even higher vaccination rates and, hopefully, a light at the end of the tunnel?
Truthfully, COVID was good to me. I know many were not as lucky. I attribute it to two things: One, I sell home decor and with people stuck inside their homes and pivoting to a work from home format it became important to have that space feel and look good. Customers wanted small, happy touches to spruce up their home and/or office. Two, I was a well established business with a strong local following. I stayed open through the entire span of covid, working behind a locked door for the first few months and offering curbside pick up as well as local delivery. These days local still feels a lot safer than big box shops and more enjoyable than shopping online.
Festive JOY pillow. Photo courtesy of Jackie Fucigna of No. 299 in New Canaan
What else would you like to tell our New Canaan readers about yourself or No. 299?
I use the hashtag #smallshoplove in all our social media outreach and I truly believe that. I want everyone that walks thru that door to feel welcome and comfortable. I encourage everyone to follow along on Instagram (@no299blog — I have been told many times we do a great job with it.) I look forward to meeting you all soon.