Calling all “dolls and dames” to visit the Brass Lantern, located at 418 Main St. in Metuchen, this Thursday, July 28, which will transform into a mystery boutique at a free event from 6-8:30 p.m. The night will be filled with mystery, intrigue, glam, jazz music and refreshments.
The event is based upon the hit Australian television crime drama about the glamorous sleuthing adventures of 1920s detective Phryne Fisher in “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.” The show began airing in 2012.
Brass Lantern owner Lois Cataldo and her staff will transform their store using 1920s-themed decorations to create a series of mini mysteries for guests to uncover. Clues will be hidden throughout the store with winners announced throughout the evening.
Brass Lantern has been serving Metuchen for over 40 years. Trends come and go, but the style and vision of Cataldo’s store featuring eclectic and unique gifts for all ages and tastes has been a staple.
When asked about the secret to longevity in Main Street retail, Cataldo’s secret is simple.
“I like to listen to my customers and provide a unique product mix and service level,” she said. “The items found at the Brass Lantern are often one-of-a-kind pieces that are often the finishing decorative touch to someone’s home, office or special gift. Trends come and go, but the art of staying connected with your customers and their interest has proven to be most helpful for us.”
Metuchen’s Downtown Alliance (MDA) is excited about the upcoming event and the creativity of the evening spurred by the hit series.
MDA Chairman, Eric Berger, hopes this special event will be a trend followed by others to bring more foot traffic to Metuchen’s Main Street.
“The event at the Brass Lantern is an excellent way to highlight the creativity of retailers in our community,” he said. “The event is free to public, and we hope it will be a new and exciting way to engage people with both the Brass Lantern and our other Main Street businesses. Lois’ business has been a strong anchor to our Main Street and we look forward to many more years together.”
