Oamar Elomarie stands behind one of the display cases at United Mobile and Smoke Shop. Photo by Deb Smith
BY DEB AND TIM SMITH
The first thing that strikes you when you walk into United Mobile and Smoke Shop is the wide variety of merchandise adorning the well-stocked walls. It’s obviously a much different look than the Peking Duck Chinese restaurant which was the previous tenant in this building which, if you haven’t noticed the new ownership, is the one that sits on the southwest corner of the 4-corners of Mendon.
Manager Oamar Elomarie is a first-time business owner having previously worked in various retail and food-related capacities. Looking to escape some of the harsher realities of the city, Oamar was encouraged by his uncle, who operates a similar shop in Canandaigua, to seek out a location that would offer the safety and friendliness of a small town.
“Opening a business in Mendon was nothing but pure luck,” Oamar said, adding that on the way to Honeoye Falls they were “just passing by and we saw the lease sign.” He followed through on the opportunity and began renovating the space to suit his needs in November. Oamar shared pictures confirming all the work that had gone into this new endeavor, preparing for an opening that took place on December 27th.
As the shop’s title would indicate, they do sell tobacco and tobacco related products. They do not sell marijuana but do sell CBD, which is used for relaxation, to relieve anxiety, and to ease pain.
The “United Mobile” portion of the business title refers to the telephone business. They will sell phones, do phone repairs, and offer phone plans.
As alluded to earlier, the most surprising aspect of United Mobile and Smoke Shop is the wide variety of merchandise that might not be anticipated based upon that business title. There are novelty items like mugs and posters.
There are leather items such as purses, boots, wallets, and belts. There are clothing items such as sweatshirts, shawls and hats.
Finally, Oamar expressed great pride in the quality of the merchandise he offers. Adorning his inventory are top-of-the-line name brands such as Gucci, UGG, and Louis Vuitton. It all certainly makes for an impressive display and inventory.
United Mobile and Smoke Shop is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm.
