Nicole Polizzi, best known as “Snooki” on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore, plans next month to open The Snooki Shop at 508 Main St. in Beacon.
Why Beacon?
I’ve always wanted to open a store in the area where I grew up [Marlboro]. I always went out with friends in Beacon, or at the waterfront in Newburgh, and we had cheerleading competitions at Beacon High School. For six summers I worked at Renegades Stadium at one of the concessions stands. That was one of my favorite jobs. I felt Beacon was such a beautiful place; we always went to the wine bar there. I was looking at New Paltz and Cold Spring, but I feel like Beacon is the more up-and-coming, more popular town in the area, with people coming in and out of the city. Beacon also reminds me of Madison [New Jersey], where I have my first store. Not only is my family nearby — so my dad can run over if we ever have an emergency — but I have a ton of friends in town and my best friend is going to run the shop. I’m excited that I could keep it tight-knit and family oriented.
What will you sell?
We have clothing for women, plus accessories like hats, slippers, bags. I try to have items for ages 16 to 65, because in Madison I have a wide range of customers. A ton of my mom’s friends want to shop there, so I’ll be catering to everyone.
How will you handle COVID restrictions?
No one will be able shop without a mask and we’re going to disinfect constantly, including the dressing rooms. It may be a little crazy at the grand opening, because I know a lot of people are excited to come, but we may only be able to fit about 10 people at a time safely.
Will you be in the shop often?
I’m in the store [in New Jersey] all the time. I do VIP events where we’re closed to the public and people buy tickets. I’m there for an hour–and–a-half with the fans, shopping with them, kind of like their personal shopper, and we have Champagne and hors d’oeuvres. It’s like a girls’ day out. But with COVID, I only pop in here and there, because I’m around a lot of older family members. So I’m being cautious when it comes to being around people.
How is your life different from 10 years ago, when you were on Jersey Shore?
I’m a totally different person. I was 21 — I wanted to party and I had no worries. Now I’m a mother of three and married. I still have my fun side, but it’s not like how I was at 21 on the show.
