PULASKI, NY – It all started with an empty storefront window. Bonnie Finnerty saw this emptiness as an opportunity to help make her hometown a little more attractive, and this effort led to a new business venture.
“I suggested decorating the empty window to some friends, and we gathered together to create a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy,” Finnerty said.
The seasonally themed window dressings garnered a lot of attention in the village, with residents wondering what was coming next in the empty downtown retail space. Occupied for 60 years by Byrne Dairy, and subsequently left vacant for five years when the store relocated, the empty space needed quite a bit of cleaning and remodeling when Finnerty and her husband, Tom, began to visualize the Fancy Flamingo filling the void and creating a new business for them to nurture.
“We spent a lot of time cleaning, and we’re grateful to have family members in the construction business to assist with the necessary remodeling,” Finnerty said. “It was quite a bit of work, but the end result was worth the effort.”
The new retail space is bright and spacious, filled with items both new and repurposed, ready to enhance the decor of discerning homeowners.
“We are offering an upscale resale store, filled with items that are new or that have been restored to look new,” Finnerty said. “We won’t be stocking thrift store or flea market items.”
The Flashy Flamingo will source its inventory from a wide range of vendors, as well as from local artists.
“High end industrial furniture and fabricated metals will be available along with refinished pieces,” Finnerty said. “We are refinishing items ourselves, and I just completed a beautiful Harden wine cabinet. Locally crafted baked goods often sell out early in the day. Inventory will be changed and added to frequently. All of our soft goods such as pillows and blankets will consist of all new materiel.”
Estates are being purchased and the most unique and valuable items will be offered after careful consideration.
The driving force behind this new venture is a strong desire to improve the community where Bonnie Finnerty grew up.
“We saw the available location as an opportunity to improve the appearance of Pulaski, as well as an opportunity to offer something unique to the area,” Finnerty said.
With the economic situation facing the area, any revitalization of empty retail or industrial space is most welcome. Pulaski’s main thoroughfare has witnessed a number of small businesses develop and bring about a fresh look to the area, and The Flashy Flamingo is joining in the effort to brighten the historic village’s outlook.
“I am very thankful for all of the behind the scenes work that my husband, Tom, and many family members have contributed to the project, and we are all excited to see the business grow,” Finnerty said.
Located at 4873 North Jefferson Street, The Flashy Flamingo is open for business Saturday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday noon until 4 p.m.
