Spotlight on Copper Partridge Uniquities

Nestled in a small green nook at the corner of Skippack Pike and Store Road, the Copper Partridge Uniquities gives off a totally Skippack vibe. Once inside, you browse beautifully arrayed shelves in search of an item that matches your interests, budget, and tastes, but you feel somehow like you are visiting a friend.

Why this feeling? I attribute it to the passion and dedication of shop’s owners and operators—Deb Knight and her mother Linda Milkewicz who is also my neighbor in Skippack. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and every customer is offered personal assistance.

As with many shops in Skippack, the vibe at Copper Partridge is largely due to the presence of owner-operators and a small, trusted staff (co-owner Deb Knight at bottom right).

“It’s not just a store for us; it’s a part of our lives, and we want every customer to feel that warmth when they walk through the door,” explains Deb. This personal approach is the hallmark of retail in Skippack Village, a collection of distinctive mom-and-pop shops.

“There are no chain stores in Skippack, and the shop owners really do an amazing job welcoming people,” Deb explains. Each shop owner plays a part in providing a memorable experience to the people who visit. “It’s a community where everyone knows each other, and we support one another. That’s what makes it special,” she adds.

One of the beautiful spaces that awaits your visit at the Copper Partridge

A leap of faith

Deb and Linda’s journey as shop owners in Skippack Village started more than a decade ago with a leap of faith. At that time, the Copper Partridge, already an established shop in its current location, became available for sale. Linda signed the lease, entrusting her daughter to manage their new enterprise.

“The store was a gift,” recalls Deb. “It was not anything planned. We had no business plan. We closed the shop for six weeks, read every book, figured out where to buy stuff, how to buy it, what should we buy. We just went down to this principal: if I would wear it, give it as a gift, or put it in my own home, those are the items that we buy.”

Eleven years later, the Copper Partridge is still going strong. Both mother and daughter continue to find happiness in day-to-day business operations. “It’s a blessing to work with family and see our vision come to life together,” says Deb.

Scanning the shelves, I find jams, honey, jewelry, candles, home decor, items, clothing, and many one-of-a-kind gifts. Every item, Deb explains, is selected with care. The shop offers affordable price points, with many items available for around $30. Additionally, every purchase is gift-wrapped, saving customers the expense and inconvenience of buying a gift bag, tissue, and ribbon.

A dream and a livelihood

More than a decade of running a shop in Skippack Village does not pass without challenges. Just as a small ship is more vulnerable to the ocean waves, smaller, individually owned enterprises are more vulnerable to the ups and downs of the economy. Deb says that her faith, along with the support of a community of loyal patrons, has helped her weather difficult times.

This helps explain why every customer is important at the Copper Partridge and at each individually owned shop in Skippack Village. Each sale matters and helps keep the doors open. “Each purchase means so much more than just a transaction; it’s support for a dream and a livelihood,” she adds.

Locally made, oversized scrabble tiles available at the Copper Partridge

Mostly local

About 80% of items sold at the Copper partridge are locally made or USA-made; for example, local honey from nearby Harleysville; handmade, oversized scrabble tiles by a local craftsperson; and hand-painted wine glasses by an 83-year-old artisan in Warrington, PA. “We believe in supporting local artists and businesses. It’s about giving back to the community that supports us,” says Deb.

The shop extends to a second building called the Barn Market. Originally, a barn and later a garage, the space has been lovingly refurbished to ensure the comfort of shoppers while retaining its rustic charm. Browsing, I find some an authentic vintage typewriter, a popcorn cart, and other unusual and authentic vintage items.

“The Copper Partridge is not just a place to shop but a place to feel welcomed, cherished, and part of a larger family,” Deb tells me as she leaves to tend to a customer.

I walk around the shop, snap some photos, and say goodbye, inspired to write a blog post to support shopping in Skippack. We all work hard for our money. When we spend it, we should feel we matter. That’s how you’ll feel when you’re inside the Copper Partridge.