Oliver & Chatfield relocates from Cornwall to Liberty Street, bringing its signature aesthetic and covetable housewares with it.
It’s official: Liberty Street is the place to be in the Hudson Valley. As if a bakery and exciting restaurant expansion weren’t enough of a reason to visit Newburgh’s “main” street, locals have yet another reason to make a trip into town.
Located on 42 Liberty, Oliver & Chatfield is the knickknack shop that powers interior design dreams. As a self-proclaimed modern day “general store du jour,” the boutique charms with bits and bobs that range from candles and tableware to greeting cards and jewelry. While the products change regularly, the store keeps the overall focus on local, ethically sourced, handcrafted, small-batch, recycled, reclaimed, long-lasting, or women-produced wares.
“We’re doubling down on finding products whose designs are carefully crafted, lasting, and durable,” notes Susan Knapik, the store’s owner. “I also want to focus on making eco-conscious items more widely accessible and help customers phase out their disposable and single-use plastics, so I plan on expanding the selection of Everyday Earth Friendly products and helping make the idea of sustainability more universal and appealing to the least ‘green’ among us.”
With a background in interior design and wedding planning (she used to own The Wedding Assistant in Columbus, Ohio and the Hudson Valley), Knapik brings an expert eye to the product selection process, prioritizing only those goods that combine form, function, and design. Of course, her experience as a captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helps too, especially when it comes to finding a balance between items that fulfill shoppers’ needs and maintain an innate do-good component as well.
After hosting a Galentine’s Day pop-up at Cream in Newburgh last February, Oliver & Chatfield opened its doors on February 20, 2019. While the shop is new to Newburgh, it is not a fresh face in the Hudson Valley at large. In fact, the opening is more of a relocation celebration for the store, which hopped towns from its original location in Cornwall. The move was a long time coming, since Knapik has had her eye on Liberty Street for a while.
“In 2015, I moved to the Hudson Valley from Columbus, Ohio, where there is an absolutely fantastic independent shopping and dining scene,” she recalls. “Liberty Street in Newburgh was always on my radar, but at the time I was transitioning from my job as a wedding coordinator, a newly renovated, small commercial space in an 1850s house in Cornwall has just become available.”
Jumping on the opportunity, Knapik set up shop in Cornwall and grew Oliver & Chatfield from a fledgling idea into a beloved boutique. Then, in November 2018, she heard that the 42 Liberty Street property was available to rent.
“The long history and rich spirit of Newburgh, coupled with its inspiring renaissance, wonderfully suits both my personality and the ethos of my shop,” she observes.
Now happily settled in the Newburgh community, Oliver & Chatfield is a must-visit for anyone who loves beautiful interiors and perfectly curated décor. The space delights with gifting opportunities, making it an essential stop for Hudson Valleyites who need to find something one-of-a-kind for coworkers, family, or friends. As Knapik points out, it’s always a good idea to make regular visits to the store, since inventory is limited and changes regularly.
As Knapik continues to settle into her new home in Newburgh, she’s already looking forward to the prospect of workshops and events geared around eco-friendly initiatives and upscale living.
“In 2019, we’ll be hosting pop-up activities like a cocktail-making course, a ‘green exchange,’ maker spotlights with rotating collections of local art and products, and some other fun surprises,” Knapik hints.
Sounds exciting? Follow along with Oliver & Chatfield on Facebook for the latest on inventory and events.
42 Liberty St, Newburgh
Wed-Fri 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
