Rahway’s Special Improvement District (SID) is pleased to highlight local businesses that help shape our local identity. Recognizing and supporting the rich, diverse make up of our neighborhood entrepreneurs, helps create a sustainable and healthy local economy. Research proves that small businesses are the backbone of any community. Statistically, main street businesses generate a greater investment back into the local neighborhoods that they serve. According to NerdWallet, out of every one hundred dollars spent at a locally owned store, sixty eight dollars stays in the community. With the same spending at a national chain, only forty three dollars stays in the community. Main Street businesses also tend to have higher commitment from their employees, and generally support other area businesses by utilizing local service providers. Rahway is committed to championing those investing in our city.
RV 89 East Cherry Street Carlos Trujillo had a good job, but he didn’t like it. Knowing he had to make a change he came up with the crazy idea to fit out an RV and sell sneakers as he roamed and ventured around the region. As he fantasized about
Continue Reading
WhitPR 1420 Irving Street A common narrative is unfolding about why entrepreneurs choose to invest their talent, energy and money to locate their business in Rahway. They’ve recognized positive changes downtown and want to be a vital contributor to that change. That’s what attracted Dreena Whitfield-Brown to re-locate her public
Continue Reading
Travel Skate Shop 43 E. Cherry St One of the best ways to ensure the success of a small business is to serve a niche market, providing a specialized service or product, to a focused clientele. Josh Ettinger, owner of The Travel Skate Shop located at 43 E. Cherry St.
Continue Reading
Millie & Joy Boutique 1361 Franklin St The Chinese philosopher Confusius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”. One local resident has the good fortune to be doing just that. Laura Lopez, owner of Millie and Joy Boutique,
Continue Reading
Skaff’s Corner Pharmacy 1112 St. George’s Ave Shaped by the Community They Serve Anchoring downtown since the 1950’s, Skaff’s Pharmacy had served local residents for over 70 years. When Neha Patel heard that the owner was planning to retire and sell the business in 2012, she and a partner jumped
Continue Reading
Pampered Paws 1470 Main Street Grooming Furred Friends with Love Creating a profitable owner operated business takes clear vision and dedication, often driven by a personal passion. This is the story of how one local woman took a circuitous route to building a successful downtown Rahway staple. Pampered Paws owner,
Continue Reading
Beauty and the Chic 84 East Cherry Street Though known as part of the New York City metro region, Rahway projects a creative small town vibe. That attractive quality motivated salon owner, Chyreise Lambert to re-locate her growing business back to her hometown. Providence opened a door, in 2019, when
Continue Reading
Times of Grace 156 East Milton Avenue Creating a Business Out of Art; One of Rahway’s Hidden Gems. Tucked away in plain sight, Times Of Grace has maintained its quiet presence at 156 East Madison Avenue, for the past twelve years. Inside is a beautifully appointed, Zen like private gallery
Continue Reading
Herbs For Life 723 West Grand Avenue Sometimes Life’s Challenges Lead to Opportunity Overcoming obstacles is part of everyone’s life experience. These cousins turned a personal health scare into positive lifelong learning. With the good fortune of a healthy recovery, coupled with the desire to learn how to use the
Continue Reading
West Carpets 385 St. Georges Avenue Woman Owned, Environmentally Friendly, and Made in the USA. A Local Story. For the past twenty years, Adelle and Pete Westerlund have successfully grown their family business located at 385 St. Georges Avenue. When asked why they chose to move their operation from Linden
Continue Reading
