Soap Opera Company of Lahaska expands into New Hope

The Soap Opera Company in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Betting on a retail rebound inspired by renovation of the landmark Bucks County Playhouse, the Soap Opera Company of Peddler’s Village in Lahaska has opened a second location in the heart of New Hope, steps away from the theater in the former Strawberry Jam space.

Owner Kristen Maldonado purchased the original Soap Opera Company in 2010 so that “as a single parent I could reinvent my professional life,” she said. “I wanted to be able to work at home with my daughter Bella after school, and that was the driving force behind the decision to buy the business and overhaul it.”

During the last two years, the Peddler’s Village retail location has undergone a merchandising facelift. Known for handcrafted soaps, bath salts, and bath bombs, the Soap Opera now features a broader variety of bath, body and linen products, including bubble baths, liquid soaps, organic lines, seasonal soaps, linens, and a kids’ section.

Speaking of her newly opened New Hope location, Maldonado said, “We are humbled and honored to be in the spot formerly occupied by Strawberry Jam, and we’re grateful for the welcome shown to us by the community.
“We've already started customizing our inventory to reflect New Hope customer preferences versus those of Peddler’s Village,” she added.

Two standouts in the new store were the “Morning Mint” line by Archipelago Botanicals, and the large olive-based block soap from Marseilles (also great for cleaning artists’ brushes).

There will certainly be enough local competition but, says Maldonado, “Don't let the big rubber ducks in the window fool you. The Soap Opera staff is serious about soaps, showers, all things bath.”

The Soap Opera Company is located at 44 S. Main St.; (215) 693-1774.

Shopping: Scents of the Season at New Hope PA Favorite Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam opened in New Hope PA in August, 1973 according to the company website, "the store name having been chosen over a bottle of wine. New Hope at that time had two doctor's offices on Main Street, a pharmacy, one grocery run by the mayor and his family, and a photo shop. The post office on Bridge Street was an easy walk and where local gossip was exchanged. The local bank was at the intersection of Bridge and Main. It was there that we got our business loan of $10,00 on a handshake."

Since that time, the store has become a stalwart of the area gift shop scene, featuring top name brands in paper products, specialty foods, jewelry, candles, home accessories, CDs, bath products, and an excellent selection of unisex scents, including those by L'Artisan, Jean Laporte, Santa Maria Novella and many others.

One unique line rarely seen outside of New York City or Milan is the Etro stable of beautifully crafted fragrances. Etro's Messe de Minut eau de cologne, a reputed favorite of Sandra Bernhard, has core frankincense aroma reminiscent of ancient cathedral interiors that's perfect for fall. Etro's Lemon Sorbet is one of the best citrus blends available anywhere, a clean, light scent perfect for warmer months with a lemon base and hint of basil.

L'Artisan has many gorgeous olfactory blends as well, a favorite for fall being Premier Figuier, a fig-based delight, and Voleur de Roses, a blend of patchouli and roses that remains a cold weather favorite and one of the sexiest scents on Earth.

Another Strawberry Jam standard are the large bath soaps and other products by Claus Porto of Portugal. These are large, creamy sublime bath soaps that last so long the season will change before one is half-finished. All the aromas are excellent; of special interest are Vetyver and Tobacco Flower for the fall, Red Poppy to brighten the winter months, and Honeysuckle and Citron Verbena for late spring into summer.

There's much to like at Stawberry Jam, but for the true scent hound, the place is a goldmine.

They're open all week long, 'til about 6 or 7:00 most nights, at 44 South Main Street, New Hope PA, 215-862-9251.