Hilltop Shop at Mondo Features New Spirit Wear in Time for the Holidays

The Hilltop Shop, located inside Mondo, was bustling Thursday morning as new merchandise arrived just in time for the holidays.

With a line out the door at times, residents and former Hilltoppers filled the shop, purchasing items to show their Summit pride. Many were picking up scarves ($18) and hats ($12, $15) ahead of Friday's state championship football game in which the undefeated Summit High School football team takes on Parsippany Hills at 7 p.m. at Kean University. Spirit fingerz, gloves with maroon and white pom poms at the fingertips, were also popular with shoppers and priced at $15 per pair. 

Among the new items this holiday season are heather grey fleeces for women and Vineyard Vines ties in maroon and gold, priced at $55. 

"We used to call it 'Spirit Wear' but now we call it 'Stunning Wear'," Annette Dwyer, Mondo's owner, joked, "because it's so pretty."

"We're really excited about the new items; we have Under Armour and Nike and we've added more women's items this year," agreed Mary Martino, co-president of the Summit Boosters Association, which runs the shop in support of the high school and middle school's athletic programs. Last year alone, the Boosters raised $80,000 to fund a trophy case at the high school, plaques, certificates and letters, among other endeavors, Martino said. This year, the Boosters helped support the gymnastics and sailing teams as well.

Martino and Dwyer said they are extremely grateful for the support of the community, which has been patronizing the shop since its opening in October 2012. From cradle to grave, Dwyer said, anyone can put on a "uniform of pride" in support of the Summit athletic programs. While the shop carried baby wear, toddler items are available now as well. 

The Hilltop Shop is located at 426 Springfield Ave. in Summit.