The Westchester View » Retail in Westchester

Wendy Gee – Something for everyone – Larchmont NY

Ruthmarie Hicks — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:24:18 +0000

As some of my readers know, I am currently on a quest to promote local businesses and merchants in lower Westchester NY. Westchester retail has come a long way since I was a youngster shopping at the local army and navy. But local merchants face an uphill climb from big-box creep. So far the focus has been on Mamaroneck, Larchmont, White Plains, and the River Towns – particularly Tarrytown. After a while, I realized that I was in as much of retail rut as the rest of the world. Sure I have my favorite haunts – but all of us need to stretch beyond and try new things!

To be totally candid – I had never been into Wendy Gee before this past week. From the outside, it looked to be well above my price range – and if the truth were to be told some of the higher end items certainly are. However, you can find just something for just about everyone at Wendy Gee from higher-end but comfortable furnishings for adults to toys for tots. Even the family pet is included. Many of the items are geared to adding a sense of style and whimsy to a room. An accent piece from this store can actually change the feel of room, by adding a splash of the unique. As my stager for properties (Marie Graham) would say ” a touch of whimsy an color go a long way.” Just one or two pieces could help transform a room from dull to dynamite.

This is a great place to shop for the remaining people on your list for the holidays and beyond. This is not a big-box bland place to be. Enjoy the video below an be sure to visit their website: WendyGee.com. Better still – stop by for a visit and get some ideas. Wendy Gee is located at 1949 Palmer Ave. in Larchmont NY.

Small Business Saturday – Stores to visit in Larchmont & Mamaroneck

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:57:45 +0000

This is my final post in this series but just because Small Business Saturday ends today, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bookmark these posts and visit them during the holiday season and beyond. Most of these suggestions have been on the Westchester View before. I had a rather busy black Friday – people were shopping for homes as well as for the holidays.

Recologie:

Located at the corner of Palmer and Larchmont Ave., this is a store that lends it self to reviews….I couldn’t put down my camera when I wrote a review last September. Everywhere you turn around there is something very unique. I was in the store yesterday and they are having specials for Small Business Saturday. I love going in there because there is always something new and totally unique in there. Here are some new things that stirred my interest:

That slick black bag is actually ribbons of FILM crocheted together. Far from funky, It’s really slick and certainly a conversation piece. The iPad cases that come in variety of colors are recycled from wet suits and the marvelous bracelet is constructed from beaded safety pins. That only scratches the surface…So be sure to stop by.

The Voracious Reader:

Although I couldn’t stop by – this is the best place to visit to unwind with a cup of tea at A Proper Cup and the kids can explore the many marvelous offerings. I wrote a review for both A Proper Cut and The Voracious Reader earlier this year.

HomeMade Pizza Co:

Tired after all that shopping? Don’t want to cook? Don’t feel like eating out either? Just place an order at HomeMade Pizza on Palmer Ave. You will get a pizza that is ready to pop into the oven. I have tried this and it is truly a wonderful treat. A great meal in the comfort of your own home, at your own time frame with virtually no muss and no fuss.

Small Business Saturday – Stores to visit in Tarrytown NY

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:54:48 +0000

This is my second installment on Small Business Saturday. Small businesses are the bedrock of our community and I’m thrilled to see that the small brick and mortars are getting some attention because Black Friday has largely become a big-box affair. To see my first entry on small businesses in White Plains NY click here. You will also find more information about why small business is so important to a community. Marie Graham also wrote a very eloquent post about the value of small business and why we should skip Black Friday and make Small Business Saturday rock.

Here are a few picks for the village of Tarrytown. in general Tarrytown NY has done a good job of keeping their small brick and mortars as a dominant feature. As a result it is a very unique village with a great deal of character and personality. The three main stores are located on Broadway (Route 9) about a block south of the main drag on Main Street whereas Coffee Labs Roasters is right in the center of town on Main Street.

Bark & Meow:

Bark & Meow is celebrating 5 years in Tarrytown. Located just a half block south of Main Street – it is easy to get to, but easy to miss if you don’t know that its there. They have very unique products for dogs and cats including adorable collars and coats, rain jackets. It also has a wonderful supply of dog and cat food at reasonable prices. I’ve seen stores in other locations charging far more. The photos below are nice stocking stuffers for both pet lovers and pets. The dog biscuits might even tempt a human, the ornaments are terrific and that wallet makes an amazing gift.

Also if you are in the market for a dog bed – they have the best beds around. I have a 3 large dogs that were trashing about one bed every six months. I bought one of these large beds about 18 months ago and it is looks like it did the day I brought it home! Yes, you pay a premium , but by the time this bed wears out – I would have gone through about 20 “bargain beds.” The variety of fabrics is also awesome – so see my blog on Bark & Meow Dog Beds if you are in the market for some comfy seating for your canine.

Whimsies:

Also on the same block as Bark & Meow – Whimsies is something of a Tarrytown institution…and with good reason. I admit to being a bit nervous about going in. I was afraid I would drain my bank account because of all the wonderful things I kept hearing. It certainly is a temptation, but there is something quite literally for every price range. From soup to nuts, you can buy som amazingly high end items or some simple stocking stuffers. The pictures below show a range from luxury soap as stocking stuffers to some very unique clocks and tiles for the home. Sometimes indulging in a luxury item can add some punch and change the character of an entire room. Those clocks would be a show stopper in any kitchen as would a couple of the designer tiles added to a backsplash. Stagers and decorators most love this store because it has an amazing variety of things that would add that extra “pop” to a carefully designed room. Whimsies has a sign out that they are fully participating in Small Business Saturday.

Baby Chic:

Baby Chic is a new boutique/consignment shop for babies and toddlers. It is located just across the street from Whimsies and has on-site parking. Lest you think this is cut -rate – guess again. They have mostly brand new items with the tags still on them. What better way is there for getting everything you could hope for for your baby or toddler without emptying your wallet? This is certainly a store that delivers bang for your buck Some of the clothing is nothing short of exquisite. The store has two side-kicks in the form of baby Isabella and their mascot – Bella – a very mellow and relaxed Samoyed. A true family business. Baby Chic is offering 25% off for Small Business Saturday – so you get a discount on top of a bargain.

Coffee Labs:

After all that shopping, most people will need to recharge their batteries. There is nothing better than a great cup of coffee or a latte help give me a lift. Coffee Labs roasters is a very unique coffee shop that also roasts their own coffee. Enjoy your latte and relax for a while and recharge your batteries! Located right next to the Tarrytown Music Hall, Coffee Labs is on the main drag of Main St. just off of Route 9.

So …..everyone get out and shop local for Small Business Saturday – the local brick and mortars give a great deal to your community and they deserve your patrongage.

Small Business Saturday – Stores to visit in White Plains NY

Ruthmarie Hicks — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:38:11 +0000

Small Business Saturday had its debut last year. But they are upping the publicity and ante this year. In my opinion – a program like this is a step in the right direction. In Washington they jawbone about supporting small business – but talk is not action. Yet small business, including bricks and mortars have traditionally been the backbone of American exceptionalism and success. They need and deserve our patronage and support.

Our love affair with big-box stores and rock bottom prices has come at a price. Service? What’s that? Knowledge of the product? You’ve got to be kidding me? In addition there have been bankrupt businesses, lost jobs that paid decent wages and less money coming into the community. Consider this: when you spend $100 with a local merchant, $68 returns to the community. When you buy at a national chain – only $43 is returned to the community. Thats a 37% difference in direct economic stimulation.

White Plains NY has quite a few big-box stores, but there are also many local merchants that are open for business on Saturday and have a great deal to offer beyond the same-old, same-old. Here are a few of my picks for the weekend.

Magnotta’s Car Wash:

Magnotta’s is on Central Ave. in downtown White Plains. Why would I pick a car wash? Because as a real estate agent that has two dogs constantly in my car – I know they do a good job! They are also holding their annual holiday blowout sale which includes savings on full service washes and complete detailing services. I bought my package yesterday and will enjoy the savings.

Westchester Road Runner:

The Westchester Road Runner has been around for many years. It is located on 179 East Post Road just off of Mamaroneck Ave. I have been shopping there for a long time and you don’t have to be a runner to enjoy their shoes. They have just about the largest selection of running shoes around – anywhere. They are recommended by podiatrists everywhere who have issues with their feet. I need to wear rather bulky orthotics due to a severe case of flat feet and my doctor told me in no uncertain terms that this was the place to go! Right now they offer a woman’s running clinic on Monday night. They have a great selection of outer wear that we all can use outdoor activity.

American Terrain Outdoors:

Located right next door to the Westchester Road Runner – these two stores complement each other. American Terrain tends have a wonderful selection of outer-wear geared to general outdoor activity. Think warm hats, gloves, jackets. Some of which would make great stocking stuffers. Last year I bought some Yak Trax from them and they saved my life (or at least my knees) during the messy, icy, winter we had last year while I shoveled snow and walked the dogs on icy terrain. If you ask, American Terrain Outdoors is offering $10 off a $50 purchase and $25 off a $100 purchase on Small Business Saturday as well as through Christmas Eve.

Straight A’s:

Got a young scholar on your short list for presents this year? Want to get the kids a gift that educates as well as entertains. This is a new store at 180 East Post Road and it has unique and educational offerings for kids of all ages. The former scientist in me spied the science kits in chemistry, physics and DNA. They also had some great simple stocking stuffers in the form of colorful pencils, erasers and other small items for the school backpack. There was a lot to take in here. From tots to teens there is plenty of unique inventory that is a far cry from the vanilla big-box toy store fare.

So there you have it – Four local merchants ready to do business with you on Small Business Saturday! Happy Shopping everyone!

Chocolations of Mamaroneck NY celebrates its first birthday

Ruthmarie Hicks — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:27:58 +0000

Mamaroneck NY has been growing in leaps and bounds when it comes to boutiques, fine dining and specialty shops. Among some of the newcomers to the area is Chocolations – located on East Boston Post Rd in Mamaroneck. In fact they just had their first birthday this week!

Congratulations Chocolations and Maria Valente for having a successful first year! I had heard the “buzz” about Chocolations for months - filled with specialty chocolates – it is Westchester’s own chocolate factory. I admit to being more than a tad worried about venturing into such an establishment. We all have our weaknesses. For some its alcohol – for me its chocolate. So it seemed inconceivable that I would manage to leave without gaining at least 10 lbs!

It was well worth the trip. The chocolate creations were very special – almost too special to consume…. which kept my chocolate tooth in check. I was really quite amazed at what I would call chocolate “art” and chocolate “construction”. I did indulge in one espresso truffle which was absolutely marvelous.

Taking photos of chocolate is something of a challenge, but some of these turned out quite well. The photo of the football complete with the “Wilson” logo is really quite special. I came away with the feeling that in the right hands, chocolate could be molded in to just about anything.

While I was there – I happened to walk in a their Friday cupcake decorating and face painting session. The kids were obviously having a wonderful time and it truly is a great activity for youngsters of all ages as well as great way to start to the weekend!

The shop itself is open and inviting and you can see the chocolate being made – which is a wonderful treat. You can sit and relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or ice cream as well as baked goods – and of course chocolate.

Location: 607 East Boston Post Rd - Mamaroneck NY – 10543
Website Link: Chocolations.com.
email: Maria@chocolations.com
phone: 914-777-3600

Happy Fall Everyone!!

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 02:10:09 +0000

Gotta admit – Fall is my favorite time of year. It is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. I look at the fourth quarter of the calendar year as the first quarter of the next year…and I think others feel the same way. About a week ago I was at Carlson’s Floral and Gift on route 100B on Dobbs Ferry Road in the White Plains PO. They are always ahead of the curve. The early signs of fall were there – but summer hadn’t quite left the building. The flowers below were of the late summer variety. The Mums weren’t quite blooming, the Halloween pumpkins hadn’t arrived – yet some of the trappings of fall – like our pumpkin friends in the photo on the right had made their appearance. Carlson’s is a great store for quality arrangements and the displays can be really uplifting after a long hard day. I took these photos with my iPhone and will go back to take some more photos as the fall season gets under way!

The Voracious Reader & A Proper Cup of Larchmont NY

Ruthmarie Hicks — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:39:36 +0000

When I first poked my head into the Voracious Reader, it made me wish I was a child again. Being a book maven, this is a place I would have called my home away from home! Today when I look at thoughtfully laid out store like this with all its nooks and crannies – I can only smile and say there IS a viable anti-big-box book store model out there! The store even brought to mind “The Shop Around the Corner” that Meg Ryan ran in You’ve Got Mail.

They have first books for toddlers, books for new readers, and plenty of selection through the teen years. I noticed of a Star Wars corner – a nook with Winnie the Pooh and of course the Harry Potter series.

As if that wasn’t enough – the Voracious Reader has expanded to include a tea house (A Proper Cup) that serves a variety of teas, lemonade with mint and cold drip coffee – which is excellent. There are also cupcakes, cookies and pastries including a selection that is gluten-free.

This is one of the reason that Larchmont homes are so popular. The type of community that surrounds the area encourages small business with a unique perspective to flourish even in our big-box world which many think dominate suburbia.

Here are several of the regularly scheduled events at the Voracious Reader:

Mommy Mondays – 11 AM – for new moms and babies under 18 months - stories, songs, and book talk.
Toddler Story Time – Tuesdays at 10:30 and Wednesday at 2:00 stories, coloring and fun around a theme.
Fridays with Franklin – Meet Franklin – the store’s mascot Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Franklin loves stories and attention.
Young Critics Club -for ages 8-11 first Friday of each month 6-7:15 PM. $5.00 covers admission, pizza and beverages. (You need a reservation)
Free Books & Pizza -for ages 12-14 the final Friday of each month 6-7:30 PM. $5.00 covers admission, pizza and beverages. (You need a reservation)

The Voracious Reader
1997 Palmer Avenue
Larchmont, NY 10538

Phone: 914-630-4581
info@thevoraciousreader.com
Monday – Saturday 10-5:30

Bark & Meow of Tarrytown NY – The Best Dog Bed Ever!

Ruthmarie Hicks — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:11:26 +0000

Although I often talk about merchants in Westchester NY, I don’t often discuss specific products found in these stores. But being a dog owner with two Siberian Huskies and a Siberain/Cattle Dog mix, I am in a good position to be judging the quality of dog beds. So I can say with total confidence that I found the best dog bed EVER at Bark & Meow in Tarrytown NY.

For much of my adult life, I have been seeking the perfect dog bed that doesn’t get frayed, torn, chewed or otherwise destroyed within the first three months of use. Maybe its because my dogs are particularly ingenious – but they seem to have learned how to find and exploit any weakness in the dog beds that I have ~~fed~~ given them in the past. Though it is true that active dogs are tough on their beds, my guys quite literally never met the dog bed they couldn’t destroy…until now.

I bought a dog bed about 18 months ago – and it is much in the same condition that it was the day I brought it home…which is nothing short of a miracle. Note the good condition of the fabric in this photo…

The cover washes very easily in the washer. It is very stain resistant and cleans up beautifully.

It is not hard to remove and put on the cover (Previous dog beds in my life proved to be wrestling partners – If I wanted to get the cover back on – there was going to be a fight!)
The bedding keeps it shape and is kind on the backs of senior citizen dogs. Buddy is over 14 now and he LOVES that bed. Since he’s having a hard time getting up on MY bed – he is more and more appreciating the comforts of this bed.
This bedding is available in a variety of styles and colors that will fit your decor. Here are some examples of what kind of covering styles are available.

The bed is also available in a variety of styles. You can order a dog nest, or a simple round or rectangular bed.all with a custom cover of great looking material that wears like iron.

You can find these beds at Bark & Meow on Broadway right off of Main Street in Tarrytown NY. Laura Haupt – the owner would be happy to help you put together a great dog bed for your best friend.

Bark & Meow, 9A South Broadway, Tarrytown NY

To contact Laura Haupt by email: info@barkandmeow.com or by phone: 914-524-7373

Recologie of Larchmont NY – Recycling Made Chic….

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:24:31 +0000

There are times when you see a store front and you know that you just have to stop by because its just too cool for words! Ok – so I’m dating myself by invoking coolness, but I can’t help it. Everything in Recologie is made of recycled material. Often when we think of recycled purchases we have a sense that we are doing something for the “greater good” that involves some form of sacrifice – generally in the form of style. Not so here. Everything in this store is top-of-the-line, unique, and cheesy is definitely not allowed. I spent some time photographing the merchandise and I admit I went a bit overboard on the bags. They sell far more than that in the store -but the bags were so amazing I couldn’t stop. Be sure to stop by some day, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy the video!

Recologie is located at 1934 Palmer Ave (at the corner of Larchmont Ave.) – 914-315-1535 - Click here for Recologie.com

© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

Retail in Larchmont NY makes a comeback

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:52:19 +0000

After the crash of 2008 and the recession of 2009 Westchester had more than a few financial issues. Cities, towns and villages reeled with the loss of commerce as the public pulled in their horns and stopped spending. This created budget shortfalls as revenues from sales taxes decreased. Shops that had been around for decades were announcing final clearance sales and shuttering their doors for good. Some areas started to look almost abandoned as “for rent” signs for retail spaces started propagating like bunnies. It was a jolt to what is generally a well-heeled and prosperous community.

In early 2010 the problem dragged on. One place particularly hard- hit was a popular portion of Palmer Ave. in Larchmont just a block from the Metro-North trains station. For all practical purposes, this should be a very popular area for retail as the location is a real draw for commuters walking to and from the train. Nevertheless, the area was bereft of retailers willing to step up an plant their flag to make a go of it in the worst recession since the great depression. A few brave shops remained while the other spaces just emptied out.

But by the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 – a real turnaround was starting. New retailers were making their move into these abandoned spaces and storefronts in Larchmont New York were showing signs of life – the “for rent” signs were being replaced bye “Coming Soon..” signs. It was a breath of fresh air.

HomeMade Pizza Co…..

Is also a new addition to Palmer Ave. in Larchmont. It has quite a presence in Chicago – but there are only a few branches in tristate area. Although I haven’t sampled any of their products myself – it looks like they have a wide and yummy variety of pizzas and salads. The pizza is prepared fresh on the premises and is wrapped for you to take home. When you are ready to eat – you bake the pizza in your own oven with a piece of parchment paper that is provided…. No muss, no fuss, completely fresh. Check out their website - HomeMade Pizza Co.

Red Mango….

Made its debut last year. Red Mango is a franchise that serves all natural frozen non-fat frozen yogurt – gluten free with probiotics. They have a variety of Parfaits Smoothies, hot chocolate chillers and much more. I enjoyed some fresh non-fat pumpkin yogurt last fall on a warm sunny day. To keep up with the latest from Larchmont’s Red Mango you can follow them on Red Mango – Larchmont on Face Book.

Sweet & Social…

Is another newcomer to the area. It offers a variety of specialty cupcakes, mini-cupcakes and other desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Come in just for a treat or have your special event catered.
You can find them on their website Sweet and Social You can also follow them on their Sweet & Social page on Face Book or SweetandSocial on Twitter.

Recologie….

Recologie is a truly unique store that sells products that are created from items that would normal end up in a land fill. Truth be told – this store relocated from a less central location further down Palmer Ave. But still it is nice to see a truly local business moving into some prime retail space. They are an eco-friendly, socially responsible boutique that has everything from picture frames to clothing. Their products are truly unique and while I was there I was fascinated by the way they were able to make use of items that would normally just be discarded as trash. I will have more on this unique boutique later. You can check out their website at Recologie.com . They also have a Face Book page – Recologie.

Congratulations to all the newcomers who were able to help bring Palmer Ave. back to its prosperous and unique self….