With shopping for milestone events being a generational staple for customers, The Colony Shop, located at 31 E. Main Street in Patchogue, celebrates 80 years in operation in 2026.

“For many children, this is their first formal event and they are most excited,” said Lori Belmonte, co-owner of the store. “The little girls like to twirl around like princesses.”

Attention to detail is at the heart of the concierge service provided by The Colony Shop and experiences like buying a flower girl dress come with it an etiquette protocol.

“If the bride is wearing off-white, then we won’t suggest a pure white flower girl dress because it won’t look right together,” said co-owner, Lari Fiala.

Even though The Colony Shop specializes in formal wear for children aged 10 and under, they do also carry casual clothes.

“The boys love the team shirts,” said Fiala while showcasing the considerable inventory for everyday school clothes.

Eloise Staudinger first opened the shop in 1946, renting space in the Ackerly Building just east of the shop’s location today, next to the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts. The Colony Shop migrated two times over, to 35 West Main Street and 32 West Main Street, before landing in its current spot.

Staudinger died in 2010, just shy of 102, leaving the shop to her daughter, Lari Fiala, and her granddaughter (Fiala’s niece), Lori Belmonte. Belmonte’s mother (Fiala’s sister), Judy Gueli, also worked at the shop before her death in 2006. Together, they continued to develop the small business known as one of the founders of Patchogue Village’s Main Street today.

Eloise Staudinger was born in 1908 and moved to Greenport as a young child. She received the first commercial high school diploma ever awarded in Greenport in 1925. In 1931, she married Raymond Staudinger and had two daughters. They were later divorced, though she was able to manage a business and raise children, all on her own. She originally owned a knitting shop, frequently giving lessons and knitting clothing; at night she managed a nightclub. In 1946, she moved to Patchogue and opened The Colony Shop. During her time in Patchogue, she organized the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee and chaired the annual fundraiser. She is honored and remembered for her service by the walkway on West Main Street, created in her name.

Fiala was born in 1935 and moved to Patchogue at the age of 10. After graduating from Patchogue High School in 1953, she went to work at her mother’s shop. She moved to East Patchogue and married Frank Fiala, who died in 1982. Lari Fiala is an active member of the Woman’s Club in Patchogue, a charter member of the Patchogue Lioness Club and served as the chairperson of the Walk for A Guide Dog committee. She has also served as a chairperson for the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce and secretary for the Patchogue Business Improvement District.

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