New Hope shop Swarm creates some buzz

Just in time for the holidays, an intriguing new store has opened at 36 West Bridge Street.

Swarm is a welcome addition to the New Hope business community, and features a cozy mix of women’s clothing and home décor. Owners Gabrielle Hoffman, Denise Sorin, and Brenda Muldowney, all residents of New Hope, have curated a collection of wares that is uniquely feminine with an urban edge.

“We wanted to leverage our diverse backgrounds to create a shopping experience that appeals to all of the senses, including humor,” said Hoffman. “Our hope is that people will want to keep coming back to see what new surprises are around each corner.”

If the store feels vaguely familiar, it’s because Hoffman once worked in visual design for Anthropologie. “We use common objects in unexpected ways,” she said of the store’s design. “We are constantly changing things to inspire not just fashion, but also everyday life.

“The store’s name comes from the idea of wanting to create a space where people want to gather, and a place that creates excitement,” continued Hoffman. To that end, men are invited to a special shopping event on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. where staff will help with gift selections while serving beer and doughnuts, say owners.

Swarm is also featuring all Free People clothing at a 25% discount, and purchases made for the holidays can be returned or exchanged up to two weeks after Christmas, they said.

Swarm is located at 36 W. Bridge St. next to the train tracks, and is open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.