(June 16, 2016) Before the Corner Shoppe opened in 2013, the town was abuzz with the possibilities with few only really knowing what was going in the neglected downtown building on the corner of Green Street and Snow Hill Road.
What was immediately apparent was that the place had a special meaning to the owners, as careful renovation began featuring a lot of new wood, hardware and fittings. The giant window displays, disused for some time, held interesting trinkets and items, but didn’t really give a clue as to what was in store for the new store.
Now that it’s been open and operating for a few years, it’s still fair to say it’s tough to nail down exactly what is, and isn’t, to be expected from owners Rick and Sophika Smith.
“We weren’t sure what we wanted to do, but we’d done a lot of traveling and discovered we each had a love of food,” Sophika Smith said. “My Ukrainian mother always made everything from scratch, and told me ‘you are what you eat so make sure it’s good.’”
To that end, the Smiths supply spice blends, oils, vinegars and some prepared products all focusing on taste and quality to ensure those that dare to try something new, different or just a touch outside of the box come away rewarded.
“Most of the items we sell have won awards somewhere. If you like sweet things, or spicy or hot, we have it, but we’re also all about you — we want to augment what you’re already doing with something unique,” she said.
The Corner Shoppe features a wide selection of oil and vinegar infusions available on tap from large containers behind the counter, all of which are made from all-natural ingredients.
“The flavors remind you of the real thing, like a peach, because it’s got the real thing in there. The essential oils are extracted and infused — they’re amazing to try,” she said.
And people have been trying them. Smith said she’s become something of a destination for an increasing number of people from a wider area of the lower shore.
“We’ve had people from Crisfield, Bethany Beach — so many different places,” she said. “They come in here to find something unique. We focus on one-of-a-kind items. Food, jewelry, it’s all high end.”
The Corner Shoppe also goes beyond food into arts, crafts and jewelry, as many shops within Arts and Entertainment districts do. Snow Hill has just renewed its designation, which provides tax benefits based on art availability.
“We try to do what we can to promote everyone, and try not to duplicate what anyone else already has — that’s what small business is all about,” she said. “Helping everyone to have a better quality of life.”
Smith has also decided the Corner Shoppe isn’t just about the customer who happens to be in the store, by offering mix and match gift baskets, which have become very popular.
“They are very personal and are made for you by someone you know,” she said.
Baskets used to be available only during the holidays, but now customers can choose a basket and fill it with whatever products they wish. The Smiths will then organize the basket to ensure it makes for an attractive gift.
For those overwhelmed by the many, many different flavor options and products not usually found in grocery stores, the shop also hosts a culinary club.
“The function of the club is to give ideas to our customers on what to do with what you have,” she said.
The Corner Shoppe is open Tuesday — Saturday from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. For more information visit www.thecornershoppe.net.
What was immediately apparent was that the place had a special meaning to the owners, as careful renovation began featuring a lot of new wood, hardware and fittings. The giant window displays, disused for some time, held interesting trinkets and items, but didn’t really give a clue as to what was in store for the new store.
Now that it’s been open and operating for a few years, it’s still fair to say it’s tough to nail down exactly what is, and isn’t, to be expected from owners Rick and Sophika Smith.
“We weren’t sure what we wanted to do, but we’d done a lot of traveling and discovered we each had a love of food,” Sophika Smith said. “My Ukrainian mother always made everything from scratch, and told me ‘you are what you eat so make sure it’s good.’”
To that end, the Smiths supply spice blends, oils, vinegars and some prepared products all focusing on taste and quality to ensure those that dare to try something new, different or just a touch outside of the box come away rewarded.
“Most of the items we sell have won awards somewhere. If you like sweet things, or spicy or hot, we have it, but we’re also all about you — we want to augment what you’re already doing with something unique,” she said.
The Corner Shoppe features a wide selection of oil and vinegar infusions available on tap from large containers behind the counter, all of which are made from all-natural ingredients.
“The flavors remind you of the real thing, like a peach, because it’s got the real thing in there. The essential oils are extracted and infused — they’re amazing to try,” she said.
And people have been trying them. Smith said she’s become something of a destination for an increasing number of people from a wider area of the lower shore.
“We’ve had people from Crisfield, Bethany Beach — so many different places,” she said. “They come in here to find something unique. We focus on one-of-a-kind items. Food, jewelry, it’s all high end.”
The Corner Shoppe also goes beyond food into arts, crafts and jewelry, as many shops within Arts and Entertainment districts do. Snow Hill has just renewed its designation, which provides tax benefits based on art availability.
“We try to do what we can to promote everyone, and try not to duplicate what anyone else already has — that’s what small business is all about,” she said. “Helping everyone to have a better quality of life.”
Smith has also decided the Corner Shoppe isn’t just about the customer who happens to be in the store, by offering mix and match gift baskets, which have become very popular.
“They are very personal and are made for you by someone you know,” she said.
Baskets used to be available only during the holidays, but now customers can choose a basket and fill it with whatever products they wish. The Smiths will then organize the basket to ensure it makes for an attractive gift.
For those overwhelmed by the many, many different flavor options and products not usually found in grocery stores, the shop also hosts a culinary club.
“The function of the club is to give ideas to our customers on what to do with what you have,” she said.
The Corner Shoppe is open Tuesday — Saturday from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. For more information visit www.thecornershoppe.net.