Lula Blue opens in historic Lewes space

Heather Foley is continuing a tradition at 114 Second St. in Lewes that started more than a century ago: selling a variety of goods for the home.

The new Lula Blue is located in the former home of Vessels Department Store, which sold everything from paint and hardware to clothing and fabric. 

Foley’s shop doesn’t have all of those things, but it does have unique items for home and garden, with a local and historic touch.

“It’s gratifying for me to put items together,” she said. “I just love shopping. I love Lewes. I always wanted to open a store, and open one at the beach, so when this building became available, we decided to go for it. How can you go wrong with this beautiful setting?”

The name Lula Blue combines two of Foley’s favorite things.

“Lula is what we called our yellow lab. We lost her about a year-and-a-half ago at 16 years old. She was the best girl ever. And blue is my favorite color,” she said.

Foley opened Lula Blue Feb. 21, a day before the blizzard shut down businesses for several days. That gave her time to take stock of her curated collection.

Foley’s signature items include homemade candles with scents that include Ferry Ride, High Tide and Gordons Pond Trail.

She is also proud of the old photos of Lewes and that occupy one part of the store.

“I’ve collected them for years. [Most] are from the state archives, and they’ve been very generous, giving me high-resolution photos and clearing copyrights so I can sell them,” Foley said.

There are tide clocks, octopus candle holders and many more things with nautical vibes.

“I try to source the best I can, fair trade, women- and minority-owned businesses. I try really hard to keep everything with a good feel,” Foley said.

Foley has lived in Lewes for 16 years. She grew up in Hershey, Pa., where Reese’s rules. But she had a special job that drew her to the sea.

“I was a dolphin and sea lion trainer at Hersheypark. That’s how I met my husband. He sold cotton candy at my dolphin pool,” she said.

Lula Blue’s inventory is new, but the store pays tribute to Vessels. There is an apron from the old store hanging on the wall. It’s so old, the phone number was 49.

A fire, thought to have started in Vessels, destroyed three buildings on Second Street in 1920. They were rebuilt in 1921, as shown on a stone on the basement steps.

Lula Blue’s counter, front-door handle and other interior features are all original.

“The old owners went to great lengths to keep it as beautiful as it is,” Foley said.

While the history won’t change, Foley said her inventory will.

“I love changing things up. There are certain things I love a lot, certain random things that are really staples, but it’s going to change a lot,” she said.