Pet boutique expands

Maxwell and Molly’s Closet opens second location in Hardyston, By Cindy Weightman Hardyston — In a time of economic uncertainty, one Sussex County business is thriving. Bonnie Bitondo has long enjoyed success with her pet boutique Maxwell and Molly’s Closet on Spring Street in Newton and as of April 1, she has a second store. This one is in Hardyston, at the foot of Crystal Springs on Route 94 North. Bitondo says she opened this shop in response to requests from customers, who have been asking for an up-county location. “There’s a huge market for this,” she says. “people love their pets.” Maxwell and Molly’s Closet boutiques cater to people’s “precious babies,” Bitondo says. Dogs and cats of all sizes are welcome to visit. Her best customer is a Doberman, she says. Bitondo scouts far and wide to find items for her shops that are different and made in the USA whenever possible. All of the food is made in either the USA or Canada, which Bitondo says has equally high standards. Besides toys and food, customers come to her for nutritional supplements, which she says are important because as pets age, their health and teeth can start to decline. She favors a holistic approach. “We stay away from chemicals as much as possible.” While she carries a vast array of products, she is happy to look for items that customers request. “I will search until I find it and bring it to the store for them,” Bitondo says. What’s in stock Clothing for dogs is popular at the shop. “We have beautiful tutus in the store right now.” Pet outfits range from everyday wear to formal wear. “We have pajamas and bathrobes, camouflage army-style outfits for the little boys, denim, beautiful gowns and dresses...” And the list goes on. From shampoo to feeding stations, Bitondo prides herself on providing it. The shop was named a 2009 NJ Life Magazine Top Ten “A” List winner. For information, visit maxwellandmollys.com or call 973-209-0101.