Entering the doorway to Matrushka Toys and Gifts is a little like going through a portal to a different world—one that is kinder, friendlier, and reminiscent of cherished childhood memories. This transporting world smells nice, too, thanks to the specialty soaps available at the counter so mom and dad can buy a treat for themselves. And the owner, Brooke Redpath, is not simply a curator and merchandizer. She is also an avid and intentional researcher who is devoted to creating a business that supports her community in ways that are good for people, the environment, and the planet.
KATY SPARKS
Brooke, how did you find yourself owning and operating this store in Great Barrington?
BROOKE REDPATH
The path to this store being on Railroad Street began in 2007 when I had 3 little ones (three, five, and seven years old) and we had just moved back to this area from Washington, D.C. I had grown up here and we decided to leave the city to be near family and give the kids a more rural lifestyle. I was looking for something I could do professionally, and the toy store was for sale. It had been run for 16 years by Ruth Blair on the second floor of the Yellow House Books in Great Barrington at that time.
SPARKS
At that point did the business have the same name: Matrushka Toys and Gifts?
REDPATH
Yes, it did. It had begun at the Waldorf School in the waiting room selling pencils and art materials and then moved into town and greatly expanded. As I took over in 2007, I got more into baby items and clothing and by 2009 we moved into a ground floor space on Main Street and were there for 15 years until the building was sold. We then happened to find this space, formerly the home of Dare Bottle Shop.
SPARKS
Has the move impacted customer traffic into your store?
REDPATH
Not a big impact, but if anything, it’s a little more accessible because there is parking on this side of the street, and you don’t have to cross a busy street like Main Street with children so in that way it’s been a very positive transition. Railroad Street is a little less busy and noisy but there’s still a lot of foot traffic here. And I’m hopeful to expand onto the sidewalk as things get more settled.
SPARKS
Tell me about your process for finding new products to offer that you feel good about putting on your shelves.
REDPATH
It’s been an evolving thing over the years as I’ve gained experience and a little more courage in striking outside the box to bring in things I really believe in whether they have a public following or not. I do a lot of research and find smaller manufacturers who make fair trade and sustainable products using less plastic and more natural materials like wood. And that contributes to the overall well-being of humanity and achieves a healthier environment for children and families so that’s a lot of the mission behind my approach.
SPARKS
Have you felt any impacts from the recent tariffs?
REDPATH
For sure, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t been impacted. But I’m doing the best I can to insulate our customers from the junk that’s in the market and do my best to insulate them from the cost increases the best I can by finding alternative sources and changing my product mix as well as doing a lot of pre-purchasing. My store has never been so full!
SPARKS
You’ve been in business nearly as long as BerkShares has been around. Tell me about your history with the program.
REDPATH
When I took over Matrushka Toys from Ruth she was already taking BerkShares and was a big supporter of the early launch of the currency. Over the years, I’ve seen repeat customers come in and use them consistently. We’ve also had a lot of tourists ask about the program and even people who study local currencies nationwide come in and interview us.
SPARKS
Do you have any advice to offer on expanding and increasing awareness of the benefits of spending BerkShares in our region?
REDPATH
Just to make sure people know which banks do the exchange from dollars to BerkShares (5 branches of Lee Bank and the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank in Great Barrington) because it really benefits any merchant to take them since you can avoid credit card fees. I think it’s easy to spend in the 300 plus businesses that take them and using BerkShares instead of cash benefits and supports the community.
