The Good Life Gift Boutique elicits a smile the moment you walk through the door. Owner Nancy Norton likes it that way.
The clothing and gift boutique just celebrated its grand opening in October—and it’s certainly worth a visit (or two!) for your holiday shopping because not only will you find those perfect gifts, but you may leave with a little more bounce in your step.
“I want shopping here to be a fun, feel-good experience,” says Nancy. The orange color gracing the interior walls and warm-hearted messaging throughout are spirit-lifters, for sure. Perhaps that warmth comes from the store’s original location “down the shore” in Long Beach Island.
After a successful professional career in marketing research, Nancy grew tired of the business travel that accompanied her position. “I was so done with traveling,” she said. “And I decided I wanted to open a store. I passed by a building in LBI and decided to do it! I had never worked in retail. My kids said I was crazy--but the store was a great success for 16 years.”
The daunting ride down the Parkway each week was the determining factor in searching out a new store location in Bergen County and eventually settling in at 271 Westwood Avenue in Westwood.
“I looked in Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, and Allendale and found this space in Westwood. I fell in love with the town. Every night on my way home, I see people strolling down the street, holding hands--along with their dogs and kids. It’s like a Hallmark commercial,” she laughs.
Nancy is appreciative of how the town welcomed her business. “I came to realize that Pascack Valley is truly a community which encompasses all of the neighboring towns. I’m really glad I chose this spot.”
The store’s uniqueness is a salute to Nancy’s years of experience in curating collections that appeal to all age groups. “I try to cater to multigenerational interests,” she says. “My goal is to carry fashion, gifts, and home décor items so that people can come in and buy a variety of wonderful items.”
“The clothing lines include apparel I would wear myself,” she notes. “I get quite a bit from Canada because I love their sense of style and fashion—and I get sweaters from Australia. They are super soft!
The store’s Soruka accessory line from Barcelona features purses, wallets, and boots made from colorful scraps of leather that would otherwise be discarded. “They’re colorful and fun,” Nancy adds.
The Good Life also carries children’s gifts and books promoting mindfulness, gratitude, and positive thinking. “I started a foundation to help kids develop mindfulness practices in schools,” says Nancy. “These are essential skills that they can use throughout their lives.”
Kindness and gratitude, softness and energy, color, and light resonate throughout the shop—it’s definitely worth a stop whenever you’re in downtown Westwood. “I want people to walk out of the store with a smile, saying, ‘That was so much fun!’”
thegoodlifeboutique.com
“I want shopping here to be a fun, feel-good experience"
"I came to realize that Pascack Valley is truly a community which encompasses all of the neighboring towns. I’m really glad I chose this spot.”
