Beloved Non-Profit Shop, Greenwich Women’s Exchange, Seeks Volunteers, Donors

A beloved gift shop featuring mostly handcrafted items, The Greenwich Women’s Exchange on Sherwood Place, is looking for volunteers.

Since longtime board president and volunteer Roni Schmitz passed away a few months ago the non profit business is in transition.

“Roni was volunteer here for 30 years,” said Kristi Hutter the current board president. “She did the ordering and paid the bills.”

The Greenwich Exchange, which opened in Greenwich in 1901, and has operated as a non-profit out of the building at 28 Sherwood Place since 1936, still features the beloved hand smocked dresses and knitted baby sweaters, as well as gifts, jewelry and apparel.

Hutter said despite its decades in operation the shop is still a hidden gem.

“People come in for the first time they say, ‘Oh this place is so charming. The garden is so beautiful. The cottage is adorable,'” she added.

“We sell about 60% hand made and 40% retail, said board president Kristi Hutter, who has been involved with the Exchange since 2015. “We’re trying to keep a focus on supporting crafters and artists.”

Right now the shop, which includes a wonderful garden, courtyard and antiques cottage behind the main building, is operating with limited hours. They hope to hear from some new volunteers to staff the shop in order to expand their hours. Volunteers would serve as sales people, enter inventory, and interact with patrons.

They also welcomes donations because the historic house they call home requires upkeep. Also they’d like to hire a manager and expand hours of operation. 

The organization has a unique history stemming from a social movement  in the 1800s in Philadelphia.

Wealthy, philanthropic women sought to provide a setting for women to sell their embroidery, sewing and fancywork.

“If you weren’t married or had family, there were very few jobs for women,” Hutter said.

“Whatever they were good at, they could sell – income could go toward bills or pay for children’s medication,” Hutter said.

Hutter said the Women’s Exchanges were a win-win for everybody involved.

At their peak, there were 35 Women’s Exchanges throughout the US. Today there are 16, including locations in Southport and Lyme, CT as well as a location in Brooklyn, NY, and shops in Texas and Florida.

In Greenwich the Exchange is part of a federation, and the various boards not only share operation ideas, but crafters are often able to feature their work in multiple locations.

Stop by the shop and make sure to visit the antiques cottage and courtyard, bursting wrought iron patio furniture.

Hutter said there are plans to name the cottage for Ms Schmits: “Roni’s Cottage.”

The Women’s Exchange is located at 27 Sherwood in downtown Greenwich.

Hours are Thursday and Friday 12:00pm to 4:00pm, and Saturdays 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

For more information email: [email protected]

Tel (203) 869-0229