WHAT’S TO FIND IN WEST CHESTER
Shopping
SMALL LOCAL
Edwin Malet
Y
AND
OU HAVE TO ADMIRE OUR LOCAL retailers. They looked at the town, picked a niche, hung out a sign, and hoped shoppers would come. West Chester has attracted many intrepid entrepreneurs who opened the shops and boutiques that give West Chester its charm. These businesses continue to fill the holes of commerce that Amazon and big box stores can’t fill and need our ongoing support, now more that ever. A used record shop, a stationery store, a music store. Often these shops add value with the service they provide, solving problems—the right fit, the right texture, just the right color—that the online shopping can’t. This season, I set out, of course, to buy gifts. “Perfect” ones, ideally. And I was determined to find Santa’s presents among West Chester’s shops.
for the Holidays
A BIG RED BOW The “Big Red Bow,” a two-story illuminated bow along High Street, has become a bright landmark at Sunset Hill Jewelers, where the holiday shopping season begins. Santa and his North Pole mailbox are outside the front door, ready to accept Wishlists and letters to Santa. Inside, owner Sandra Riper has an extensive assortment of jewelry ready for shoppers on a range of budgets. The shop features estate and one-of-a-kind jewelry as well as traditional favorites. And they are happy to wrap your shiny purchase for you. Sunset Hill is planning extended hours for those who wait until the last minute along with other holiday specials. Now more than ever Sunset Hill is hopeful shoppers will appreciate and support the local retail stores that make up their community. AFFORDABLE STYLE
TIM VAUGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Vida Beale Consignment opened this past Octo-
ber in the heart of downtown West Chester, offering on-trend, upscale, designer clothing that appeals to a wide age group of women at an affordable price. Owner Kirsten Gross created Vida Beale (meaning “beautiful life”) from her passion to provide women with gently used clothing and accessories they “may not ordinarily be able to afford.”
