(610) 594-2394
Call
us: (610) 594-2394
Call
us: (610) 594-2394
Tomorrow is Shop Small Saturday! In the true holiday spirit we want to show our appreciation and love for some small local businesses in West Chester. In the heart of Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, West Chester offers small-town charm with picturesque scenery and an underlying history. Not only is it beautiful, but a great place to shop and eat. With over 65 boutiques and over 75 award-winning restaurants, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy.
Although the holidays may look different this year, we can still shop local and with this guide, so can you! From decadent treats to gifts for your furry friends, here are some small businesses in West Chester that you can celebrate this Saturday.
Éclat Chocolate – @eclatchocolate
Two decades ago, Christopher Curtin began his journey to become a Master Chocolatier. He studied at the House of les Compagnons du Devoir, a premier guild for Pastry Chefs in France. Returning back to the United States, Curtin founded Éclat in West Chester, a city known for its chocolate production dating back to the Industrial Revolution. This was the perfect place. Working alongside the best pastry chefs in Europe to becoming the first American awarded the honor of German Master Pastry Chef and Chocolatier in Cologne, Germany, Curtin has brought his talent and chocolates to the town of West Chester. In the realm of the world’s top chocolate makers, Christopher’s Éclat Chocolates are an experience you will never forget.
A Taste Of Olive – @atasteofolive
Nancy Smith and her daughter Kimber Scladweiler had no intention of opening a small business. Then they discovered and were immediately hooked on the taste of high-quality extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They relocated to Doylestown in 2003 from Illinois, and opened up their first store, A Taste of Olive, in West Chester. A Taste of Olive aims to provide customers with 80 different varieties of the freshest and highest quality extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world. They come from Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, South America, and California. Nancy and her daughter want their customers to feel the same appreciation and enjoyment they do when tasting their products. With quality products, prices ranging from affordable to higher end, and a friendly atmosphere, stop in and have a taste!
Bryn Mawr Running Co. – @runningcowestchester
Dating back to 1991 owner Bob Schwelm shared a passion for running with an ambition to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Not even he could imagine how many lives he would impact in a positive way. Today, Bryn Mawr Running Company is both well-known and respected for their commitment and passion for the sport. From recreational runners, competitive runners, mothers, fathers, students, and professionals, Bryn Mawr Running Company loves serving the community. Their products not only cater to the marathon runner but also to the individual who spends hours on their feet. Their store, shoes, and apparel are worth running to check out this holiday season.
Phineas Gage – @phineas_gage_wc
If you didn’t know, this store in West Chester was named after an American railroad construction man who went down in history for his survival of a serious head injury! Whoa! Wanting her store to emanate this same perseverance and individuality, owner Jamie Hazley Weisbrot felt that it was the perfect name for her shop. Phineas Gage provides trendy men’s clothing with the addition of a relaxed atmosphere to both shop and hang out in. Curating the right clothing for the male consumer is important to Phineas Gage, therefore time and effort is put into finding the best brands and classic styles. Jaime’s drive and steady determination created a new brand and the beginning of her greatest adventure.
Luxey Little Ones – @luxeylittleones
When expecting her fourth son, founder Jennifer Poe realized that the larger baby stores she was shopping in often lacked the unique pieces and flair she was in search of. Hence, Luxey Little Ones boutique and design showroom was born. The shop is the first of its kind located in historic West Chester. It offers unique and curated clothing, furniture, and products for little ones, while specializing in nursery and children’s room design. The boutique carries private label bedding, handcrafted luxury furnishings and beautiful designer baby gear that are must haves for the little ones in your life!
Old Soul Decor – @oldsouldecor
Originally born in New York, owner Krystal Reinhard grew up in a family of artists and carpenters who introduced her to fine art and design. Krystal has a background in design and fine arts from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts as well as a degree in art education from the University of Vermont. Following her passions she created Old Soul Décor which provides customers with home décor, interior design and custom woodworking. The products push the boundary between art and life. If you love curated, unique décor for your home this could be a great place to shop for yourself or for your loved ones before the holidays!
Giunta’s Furniture – @giuntasfurniturewestchester
Locally owned and operated, Giunta’s Furniture first opened their doors in 2009. Giunta’s in West Chester offers stylish and affordable furniture, modern farmhouse accessories, home décor, paintings, lighting and more. Every time you enter the store there is something new and exciting to discover. While shopping locally, stop by the store to see what new and exciting gifts you could discover.
Thistle Be Perfect – @thistlebeperfectwc
The mother daughter duo behind Thistle Be Perfect is what makes this boutique special. Katie worked in the handcrafted gift industry for over a decade while Jane comes from a background of all things human resources. Their love for good, well-made products was the inspiration for what Thistle Be Perfect is today. Thistle Be Perfect features handcrafted gifts made by artisans with an emphasis on fair trade products. They also emphasize items that are socially responsible, and give back to the greater good. If you love the idea of buying gifts that have a purpose, this is the shop for you.
All The Dogs Love – @allthedogslove
Becky, the founder and owner of All the Dogs always wanted to work with dogs in some capacity. She figured opening up a small shop in her hometown of West Chester was a perfect fit. In a town booming with dogs there was a definite need for one. All the Dogs has unique gear inspired by community and nature. The vision behind All the Dogs is to offer quality crafted gear, treats, toys and skincare to support the furry friends we love and care about. Customers love their products and they make a positive impact on the health and happiness of our dogs! What more could you ask for?
Hungry from all of this shopping and looking for something sweet? These two delicious spots are a great place to take a shopping break and feed your sweet tooth!
Dia Doce – @diadocewc
Thais da Silva Viggue, the founder and baker of Dia Doce grew up in a small town outside of Philadelphia. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. While living and working in New York, Thais started her own food truck, specializing in beautifully crafted cupcakes. Relocating to her hometown with her family, Dia Doce was born. The award winning Dia Doce bakery is a must if you’re a cupcake lover. Stop by the store and grab one of their signature cupcakes, maybe the Berry Basil-ade. Thais has won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, #1 on the Philly HotList and Best of the Main Line. With a menu based on seasonal locally sourced ingredients, you are sure to find a flavor that you’ll love! So stop by and support a local bakery. Look out for their bright green truck and enjoy your cupcakes!
Gemelli Gelato – @gemelligelato
From Ferrara, Italy to West Chester, Pennsylvania, Julianne and Vincenzo brought their authentic “Gelateria” to America. They met in 2008 while Julianne was studying abroad in Milano, and Vincenzo followed his love to West Chester the next summer. They chose West Chester instead of a large city, desiring a small and welcoming area to call their home. Their mission has always been to share the treasured desserts Vincenzo grew up with in his local community. Made in house, fresh daily, Gemelli sources their gelato and desserts from scratch using local, organic dairies, produce and cheeses. Gemelli’s gelato and baked goods will certainly keep you coming back for more!
We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season this year. By shopping local you can support the businesses and the people in your community in a large way. Visit Shop Small West Chester for a more extensive list of local businesses to shop at this Saturday or any day!
At COCOON we love supporting our customers and our team members any way we can. As a family-owned business, helping homeowners, COCOON listens to what families need. Contact us to find out how we can transform your space to suit your family!
