Travel-Inspired Style Accessible in Ellicottville
Suzanne Roberts is the founder and owner of Gado-Gado, a unique shop of women’s clothing and accessories at 26 Monroe Street in the village of Ellicottville. She opened the shop over 24 years ago to make her travel-inspired style accessible in her hometown.
With a passion for travel and a nomadic soul, Suzanne set off to travel the world. From Japan to Bali, Indonesia, she embraced her travels and they shaped her style. “I started Gado-Gado so I could bring some of that magic back to my hometown of Ellicottville, NY. As a single mom, I wanted everyone to have access to unique finds that spoke to their creative, individual styles without having to sacrifice. It is important to me to be able to offer an uplifting experience in an aesthetically appealing space. I opened the store striving for an environment that is inclusive, upbeat, supportive, and a good vibe. These are still the goals today, more than 20 years later.”
“Gado-Gado” literally means “a mixed grouping of items” and the store certainly reflects this. It has evolved over the years carrying a variety of items, but is now primarily stocks women’s clothing, accessories and a collection of gifts. “There is something for everyone here. The store is visually pleasing and a pleasure to browse. My goal is to help customers find unique things to create their individual style.”
Suzanne collects pieces that embrace a boho vibe. “We value our customers input and what they’re looking for. We listen to what they want and keep an open mind. We aim to please while keeping our store values in mind as well.” The clothing and accessories are globally inspired and inclusive of all ages, styles and sizes.
In a word, the store is diverse, and the staff reflects this. “I’m fortunate to have had such amazing staff over the years. Our group is as diverse as our shoppers, ranging from teens to women in their 70’s. We love working together and are here not only to help you find your style, but to cultivate a sense of community. Everybody is important, everyone matters, and we embrace that. We aren’t just coworkers, we’re a community and that extends to our customers”.
Suzanne’s favorite part about her job is interacting with people. “I love supporting women as they try new things, as they branch out and try new styles. It’s amazing to be able to build women’s confidence and help them find their style. I want everyone who enters to have a positive experience, and leave feeling like a part of our sisterhood here in the store.”
Her favorite thing about the Ellicottville community is how the businesses support each other. “We all have our own niche. Every shop and restaurant is unique, and we fully support each other. It’s not competitive, we’re all so different and beautiful in our own way. We each have our own identity and our own level of creativity, and it’s contagious. There’s always something going on in Ellicottville, and that makes it even more exciting.”
Suzanne is looking forward to a busy Spring and Summer season and has just launched a customer loyalty program. Be sure to visit https://www.gadogadoellicottville.com/ to shop online and come see what’s in store at 26 Monroe Street. “Let us help you find your style and have fun too!”