The Polish Store Just Across the Street

 

In addition to visiting the Polish-American Cultural Center, there is another way to have a genuine Polish experience without a flight across the Atlantic.  You can visit “Cosmopolitan,” a Polish goods store located at 6506 Lansing Avenue, just across the street from the Center.  The store opened its doors in 1988 under the management of its founder, Mrs. Eugenia Stolarczyk.

 

Eugenia is well known in the Polish community for her service to the Center as well as to the Greater Cleveland ethnic scene for which she received numerous accolades.  Among them is the prestigious Silver Cross of Merit from the president of Poland  (1995).  In 1999 the International Services Center awarded her a citation in recognition of her outstanding years of service.  She was also inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame in 2016.  However, far less known is her quiet role as an entrepreneur, defined as “an individual who creates a new business, bearing most of the risks and enjoying the rewards.”  She has met and exceeded this definition.

 

Initially, the business began to support the airing of the Sunday Polish radio programs  (WERE 1490 AM and WCPN 90.3 FM), both of which she produced and hosted.  Today, they continue to provide listeners with information and entertainment relevant to Polish culture.  As a travel agency, “Cosmopolitan Agency,” assisted Poles with mailing parcels and wiring money.  Gradually imports were added and over time the business evolved into a place to shop for a wide variety of authentic Polish products.

 

From the outside “Cosmopolitan” is unassuming but on the inside there is much to be found.  The list is long and varied.  It includes high quality imports from Poland such as canned and jarred foods (pickles, sauerkraut, sardines, etc.), candies, cookies, mineral water, fruit juices, syrups, beauty products, newspapers, magazines, teas, and DVDs.  The majority of items are specialty products not found in mainstream supermarkets or the big-box stores.  During the Christmas season, Eugenia stocks a large variety of Polish chocolates in beautiful decorative boxes.  It is a good place to shop for gifts any time of the year.  When asked what she most enjoyed about her business she replied “It is the contact with the people and the opportunity to meet their needs.”

 

If you have not visited the store, you will be amazed by the variety of items.  It may be small in size but it is mighty in goods.  We are fortunate to have such a store so close to the Center that extends our presence in the neighborhood.  Supporting local businesses is always a good practice, especially one that supports the work of the Center. 

 

The store is open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to noon.  The telephone number is 216-641-7528.