A Paris-based luxury perfumerie, Diptyque (pronounced dip-teek), has opened its first store in Connecticut at Westport’s 47 Main St. The company says the outlet “pays homage to the coastal heritage of New England while combining the spirit of the original 34 Boulevard St. Germain boutique in Paris.” Eduardo Valadez (l), East Coast sales manager, said Westport is the company’s seventh store in the United States. “We offer luxury perfumes, candles with personal fragrances and a range of body care products,” he said. Westport was chosen “because the Westport area understands luxury—they are worldly customers who understand the brand and appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of our product line,” he said. With him is store manager Dee Livingston. The space was formerly occupied by l’Occitane, which moved to expanded facilities next door at 45 Main St. replacing Claire’s fashion accessories. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By Dave Matlow

An old-fashioned ice cream parlor will make its return to Westport after more than 50 years thanks to two Westporters who are retail novices but nostalgic for a sweet shop.

Saugatuck Sweets will debut in early 2014 in space formerly occupied by Saugatuck Craft Butchery. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Saugatuck Sweets will debut early next year in the Saugatuck Center space previously occupied by Saugatuck Craft Butchery, which has moved across the street, said Al DiGuido, software entrepreneur and founder of the Al’s Angels charity, one of the principals.

He said his family has partnered with Pete Romano, better known for his engineering expertise, and his family to make their dream a reality.

“Our goal with Saugatuck Sweets is to bring back a time when kids and adults enjoyed visiting the local sweet shop for a cone, shake, malted, egg cream…A time when families made a special trip to have a special dessert after dinner at one of the area restaurants to sit by the river,” DiGuido said.

An application for a permit to demolish two buildings at the Geiger Garden Center, 1135 Post Road East, is in process. Built in 1900, the two-story residential-type commercial structure has 2,221 square feet and is situated on a 2.07-acre property. Because the house was built more than 50 years ago, the application will be reviewed by the Westport Historic District Commission. Geiger’s submitted a preliminary plan in January to turn the property into a commercial and residential complex. (See WestportNow Jan. 17, 2013) (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com