Montclair Native Opens Unique Gift Shop and Art Gallery Concept
Montclair native Monique Zauner is leaving her mark on her hometown once again. After building a multi-million-dollar company, Universal Yums, she's now preparing to open a new retail concept called A Wonderful Time at 488 Bloomfield Avenue on October 1.
A Wonderful Time will be a unique combination of gift shop and art gallery that sells original products, including stationery, homeware, confectionery, and more. Zauner will design the items, which will change based on customer demand.
Zauner started her entrepreneurial journey as an associate manager at Procter & Gamble but left to start Universal Yums with her partner in 2014. The company has since shipped over 8 million boxes. Although she retired from Universal Yums this year, Zauner was not done yet and began brainstorming her next project.
The store will have a laboratory-like approach, where customer interest and feedback will help shape the products developed and sold. Unlike traditional retail stores, A Wonderful Time will not carry the same merchandise for extended periods but instead create new products based on customer demand.