Malcolm Best Boy often takes power naps at work, and his “co-worker” Beverly (Bev) Goldstein wouldn’t have it any other way.
The adorable, 14-year-old bichon frise’s constant presence at Natural Sense, Goldstein’s Newtonville shop, only adds to its warmth. Shoppers love coming into the welcoming space for new items, and dogs love visiting for the plentiful pats and free treats.
However, after 40 years in business, Goldstein (and Malcolm) will be retiring by June and shutting her venerable store for good.
“My clientele is like my family. That’s going to be the hardest thing [about retiring]. …I will miss them,” said the Newton resident.
As customers came in to browse for colorful blouses, subtly scented moisturizers, and cuddly stuffed animals, they were saddened to learn their favorite store would soon be closing – although universally happy for Goldstein on her retirement.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do for clothes,” lamented Abbey Brown, who brought in her two miniature poodles.
West Roxbury resident Roxanne Pappenheimer agreed, adding Natural Sense has “a wonderful selection of clothing and fun gifts.”
Another draw to the store is Goldstein herself.
“She tells you the truth about if you look good” when trying on clothes, said Brown, who estimated she’s been a regular customer for 35 years.
“People feel comfortable [here] – it makes me happy,” said Goldstein. “People can just talk and feel safe.”
Neighborhood fixture
Before opening her independent store, Goldstein was a kindergarten teacher and then became a licensed esthetician.
She said she enjoyed learning about skincare and the ingredients in the products people use every day. Eventually, Goldstein decided to open her own store to share her knowledge and help clients.
“I wanted to teach [my customers] they could do it at home,” Goldstein said. Even after Natural Sense closes, she will continue working with current clients on their skincare routines.
When the store first opened, she initially sold vitamins, makeup, skincare products, and gifts. Always aware of what her competition was selling, Goldstein said that “every seven years, you really have to reinvent yourself” to be successful in business. She eventually phased out vitamins as they became more ubiquitous and expanded her offerings to include clothes, accessories, and more.
With such a loyal customer base, Natural Sense weathered the Covid pandemic. In fact, Goldstein hand-delivered products to customers during the challenging time.
Asked why she decided to close, Goldstein said, “It was just time … I wanted to explore.”
She intends to travel, do some gardening, and just have time for herself.
Since her store has been a neighborhood fixture, Goldstein has seen generations of customers grow up as the decades passed.
“It really is lovely,” she reflected.
Natural Sense is located at 326 Walnut Street, in Newtonville. Goldstein will put up signs and announce on her shop’s Facebook page when her clearance sale will take place before she closes for good in June.
