We love our Opinel retailers! Learn about their business, how they discovered Opinel, why they brought Opinel into their store. They even share some local tips! This month's feature is Dedham-based Boston General Store with owner, April Gabriel.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m originally from Houston, Texas, but spent my summers in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts with my Nanna. She was a huge inspiration for how I’ve built this business — in the spirit of choosing functional, high-quality goods from makers who value craftsmanship and longevity over disposability.
How would you describe your store?
Our shops are inspired by general stores of years gone by. We strive to purvey useful goods for our customers while introducing them to products and makers they may not find elsewhere. I try really hard to only stock our stores with goods that I would use in my own home or share with my closest family and friends.
How did you hear about Opinel?
I’ve been carrying Opinel in the shops since the very beginning, but I probably first saw Opinel folding knives when I was studying in Paris in 2003.
Why did you choose to carry Opinel?
I chose to carry Opinel because there are no other brands with such a high standard of quality at the same price point. It’s an excellent option for my customers who are looking for great value and a well-made product.
What do your customers like most about Opinel?
Our customers love Opinel’s simple-but-effective design and classic aesthetic. Opinel’s folding knives have always been popular with customers, and I think it’s because they are highly functional without being overly complicated.
Do you have a favorite Opinel knife or tool?
While I’ve probably had a No. 8 folding knife for the longest, I use the Parallele paring knife and the chef’s knife almost every day. They are the workhorses of my kitchen and get a lot of use.
What is your favorite thing to do in your city/town?
I love going to downtown Boston and pretending to be a tourist for the day! There’s nothing like spending an early summer evening strolling along the Freedom Trail with a stop to get oysters by the harbor.
Boston General Store
626 High St. Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 326-7560
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