There hasn't been a store like this on Main Street in a long time

I had noticed the interesting signs on the storefront on Branford’s Main Street for several weeks: “ JCWYATT Chocolatier” and “Branford Trading Company.”

And then one day, I found that the store at 566 Main St. had opened, and being both curious and a chocolate lover, I ventured in — and met Jacey Wyatt, one of the most innovative, enterprising, multi-talented young ladies, I have ever encountered, and the many different products and businesses she has tucked into this one space reflect that.

Jacey was raised in Branford and delights in its history, so it is no coincidence that she knew that there was a trading company in Branford in 1812, probably very near her present location. In those days, horse-drawn carriages and carts delivered ice, eggs and vegetables.

Eventually, trading companies were replaced by grocery stores. Jacey’s idea is that you can trade items you no longer need for something useful. She charges the “traders” a small fee for the service, and you can receive credit on a gift card if you don’t see another item you desire when you bring in your “no longer needs.”

I was surprised to learn that Val’s old ties, which I already gave away, would have been a welcome item to trade, along with glassware, small items of furniture, dishes, toys, Christmas ornaments, handbags, stuffed animals, baskets, jewelry, scarves, hats and more.

Jacey, who has degrees in interior design and as a landscape architect, renovated the former space occupied by Kids Wishes spending very little money, but using her own talents and creativity to create the feel of a country store. She has used the old paneling boards in the building, recycled all the lumber material into furniture, exposed the old brick wall and the original tin ceiling and renovated the old wood floors.

Old-fashioned wooden pine barrels and a country store wood and glass candy case are just two of her nostalgic touches. The wide selection of various types of nuts are housed in clever simulated paint cans, gourmet popcorn and moose munch as well as dipped chocolate apples and other chocolates are all packaged in clever and colorful ways. There are coloring cards for kids, interesting jewelry, penny candy, hand-painted gift cards, and eventually she will also carry jams, syrups and hand-made products when she renovates the lower level.

Already in place, on one side of the store is a spacious art gallery in which she rents space so that talented local artists have a place to exhibit their work. She is especially interested in helping to display the work of the area’s seniors, inspired by her own mother whose paintings are on view.

Other plans include parties and special events, which will be posted in the store or at www.branfordtradingcomapany.com. Store hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays until 3. There is ample parking behind the building (turn on Monroe Street, and use the back entrance to the store), and the telephone is 203-481-0001.

I know I’ll be stopping by often to sample the delicious hazelnut chocolate bonbons and to admire the latest idea or product, a result of Jacey’s remarkable energy and creative talent.

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