Vegan Store Devoshion Opens In Smith Haven Mall In Lake Grove

LAKE GROVE, NY — Devoshion, a vegan store, celebrates its grand opening at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Owners Mor Schwartz and Jason McKee will be joined by Barbara Franco, executive director of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer Scully of Vegan Home New York, and John and Juliana Di Leonardo of Humane Long Island.

The grand opening will offer free vegan candy samples; photos with Humane Long Island's sloth mascot; free coloring books for kids; a rubber duck claw machine; live singing; handmade goods for sale; local vendors; snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Schwartz and McKee found Devoshion as a way for local artisans to sell vegan, handmade goods. It will also be a venue for live events like comedy shows, music performances, DIY workshops, yoga classes, and more. People can hang out, eat vegan food, try local craft beer, buy and sell collectibles, comics, action figures and specialized toys.

"I am honored to celebrate our grand opening and support local artisans and charity alongside Humane Long Island and the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce!" Schwartz said in a news release. "Visit us today and if you're a vegan artist interested in vending, contact us to apply!"

Jenn Scully, owner of Vegan Home New York, which operates a vegan candy boutique and vegan luxury bag store, is one of Devoshion's vendors.

"I'm so proud and honored to be able to offer chocolate and candy that not only supports fair wages and human rights but also animal welfare," Scully said. "There's no reason for something as innocent as candy to harm animals. Cruelty-free, vegan, organic options are just as delicious!"

All of the proceeds from select plushies and a portion of all vegan candy sales from Feb. 1 through Feb. 14 will benefit Humane Long Island's work to help animals on Long Island, said John Di Leonardo.

"Humane Long Island is thrilled to offer plush sloths, kangaroos, and capybaras at Devoshion's new cruelty-free, vegan store at the Smith Haven Mall just in time for Valentine's Day!" John Di Leonardo, anthrozoologist and executive director of Humane Long Island, said in a news release. "Buy your plushies and vegan candy at Devoshion ahead of the holiday and show your lover that you don't just love them but that you love animals too!"