2024 in Review
A Year to Remember: Rooted’s 2024 Reflection
What a special year it has been! As 2024 draws to a close, we find ourselves pausing to reflect on the incredible milestones, heartfelt connections, and creative moments that have defined this year for Rooted. Every step of the way, we have been guided by the warmth and support of a community that continues to inspire us. Made by the community, for the community, Rooted exists as a testament to the beauty of handmade goods and local artistry. Here are some of the highlights that made this year unforgettable.
The Heart of Creativity: Our Barn
This year, our barn became a hub of creativity and joy, hosting a wide array of events and gatherings. From flower bars to wreath-making workshops, it brimmed with inspiration and community spirit. On rainy Thursdays, children gathered for storytime in the barn, enchanted by the magic of live storytelling. As the seasons changed, so did the barn’s purpose.
In the summer, our annual yard sale evolved into the Barn Sale, offering fantastic discounts on select home goods. By the holiday season, the barn transformed into a cozy winter shop. The crackling wood stove created the perfect backdrop for browsing snug apparel, sports gear, and bundling-up essentials like hats, gloves, and scarves.
Displays That Dazzled
Every season brought fresh inspiration to our displays. This summer, hot air balloons seemed to float throughout the store, capturing the whimsical spirit of warm days. Later in the year, dried citrus slices and wooden beads adorned our holiday décor, exuding natural charm. Pink fuzzy fabric letters wrapped like Christmas parcels brought playful joy to our displays. At Rooted on Main, our windows came alive as a miniature gingerbread Main Street, a festive nod to the holiday spirit.
A Garden to Grow
This year, Rooted took the exciting step of creating a beautiful new garden, thoughtfully designed by Maffei Landscape Design and installed by our dedicated Rooted crew. Situated in front of our store, this serene addition warmly welcomes visitors with its vibrant greenery and thoughtful design. It serves as a beautiful introduction to Rooted, and we eagerly await seeing it bloom again in the spring.
Celebrating Local Artisans
Since its inception, Rooted has been dedicated to connecting small artists with the community. This year, we showcased an array of local talent through pop-up shops, including a charm bar where visitors crafted their own bracelets. We hosted the founders of Bloom Planners, University of Delaware graduates, who shared their beautiful journals and planners. In the colder months, Moore Meats visited Rooted in New London selling American Wagyu.
Throughout the year, we expanded our selection to include more artisans, such as Elikin Knits and An Adventure Awaits. These collaborations have enriched our offerings and deepened our connection to local creators.
The Side Yard: A Space for Connection
Our side yard blossomed into a vibrant community space in 2024. In September, it hosted our second annual Mini Makers Market, where young entrepreneurs under 12 showcased their crafts. The creativity on display ranged from crocheted plushies to painted birdhouses and custom clothing. October brought a hay bale maze, offering free fun for families to savor the last warm days of the year.
By December, the side yard became Rooted’s Christmas Village, complete with storytime with Mrs. Claus, mini photo sessions, and sparkling elf tinsel. The springhouse was transformed into Santa’s workshop, where children could peek inside to see Santa writing letters amidst a twinkling tree. It was a magical reimagining of our traditional holiday celebrations.
Storytime: A Beloved Tradition
Every Thursday morning in New London, storytime brought families together. As spring thawed the chilly mornings, children of all ages gathered for free readings by our wonderful guest readers. This cherished tradition continues to nurture a love for stories and connection among our youngest visitors.
Expanding Our Roots Online
A major milestone this year was the launch of our online store. Now we can reach a broader audience, allowing us to share the heart of Rooted with a larger community. We’ve also begun sharing blogs featuring recipes, gift guides, and updates about what’s new at Rooted. Our monthly newsletter, launched this year, highlights local events, blog posts, and new arrivals. Sign up at the bottom of our webpage to join!
To complement our online store, we launched @rootedshopthelook on Instagram. This new platform allows us to share styled collages, outfit inspiration, and new arrivals, making online shopping seamless and fun. While navigating the learning curve of taking a brick-and-mortar store online has been a challenge, it has been an exciting journey that we are grateful to undertake.
Gratitude for Our Community
None of this would have been possible without you, our incredible community. Your unwavering support and love have been the foundation of Rooted’s success, not just in 2024 but every year. Thank you for believing in our mission and for sharing in our journey. As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and excitement for what’s to come.
We would love to hear from you! What was your favorite part of Rooted’s 2024 journey? Share your thoughts in the comments or email us at info@rootednewlondon.com. Here’s to another year of creativity, connection, and community!
