T&S is all about supporting local businesses, especially since we are one! In this column, we spotlight some of the countless area retailers that provide friendly service and unique products.
shine boutique
Shine’s owner Tamara Netsch always has loved accessories. “It’s so important to wear things that make you feel good,” she says. “Accessories are an easy way to do that.” At Shine, which opened in May 2016, Netsch sells “a little bit of everything.” That means clothing, bags, scarves, jewelry, candles and bath products. “I try to find unusual, interesting products you might not find anywhere else,” she says, citing in particular the Hide luxury leather earrings she carries. Netsch says she likes to emphasize socially responsible shopping and support small, local companies. Hide, which is based in Imperial, Missouri, makes jewelry from recycled leather scraps. She also has give-back programs that donate a percentage of sales of certain items to charity. Netsch describes Shine’s clothing as fun, versatile and fashion-forward. “They are pieces you can dress up or down,” she says. She also provides a monogramming service.
the fur boutique
After years managing a fur salon, Ann Hurth had built a reputation for customer service, style and quality. When she left her position, her clients followed. They called to ask for advice on caring for their pieces and for help finding the latest styles. Hurth recognized a need in the community and decided to fill it, opening The Fur Boutique with former colleague Georgene Frazier. “We carry only topquality merchandise,” Hurth says. “Our customers know us for that.” The boutique carries both the latest trends and classic looks, but it provides its customers more than just luxury furs. It works as a full-service furrier, offering cleaning and repair as well. Hurth is grateful for the loyalty St. Louis has shown her and The Fur Boutique. “Our customers really put us in business,” she says. “It’s been four years, and we’re going strong because of them.”
christopher’s
Considering its size and the scope of its merchandise, it’s quite possible you could do all of your shopping at this gift emporium. Make a beeline to this Kirkwood mainstay (in business across from the Farmers’ Market for more than 20 years) for unique home decor, apparel, body and beauty products, stationery and books. At Christmas, it twinkles with trees and is perfumed by piney candles and spiced potpourri; in the summer, it’s full of great entertaining ideas. All year round, whatever the occasion, Christopher’s is a one-stop shop. “We are the place for that hard-to-find, one-of-a-kind gift,” says owner Mark Coulter. Indeed, the store boasts of having ‘a little bit of everything for the home, for the body, for the memories.’ And the only problem here is being spoiled in terms of choice. Coulter says an added feature this year is the open-air European Christmas market behind the store where shoppers can find holiday trappings to suit all tastes.
dream play recreation
Husband and wife team Tim and Traci Albers opened Dream Play Recreation in April 1991 with a small indoor showroom. For 26 years, it has expanded in both size and range of residential play equipment offered. In 2010, it changed its name from Rainbow Recreation to reflect its evolution and diversification. Tim Albers explains that the Chesterfield showroom features displays of 19 play systems, nine basketball goals and three trampolines from brands including Rainbow Play Systems, Goalsetter, Goalrilla and Springfree Trampoline, touted as the world’s safest trampoline. At the showroom, families can climb and explore rock walls, slides and playsets on display, as well as practice free throws and dunks on the pro-size basketball hoop. “The shopping experience is truly like no other,” Albers says. “We are proud to be a part of this community, and the quality of what we offer is a reflection of that.
timekeepers
Specializing in watch, clock and jewelry repair, as well as engraving and custom jewelry design, this family business came to St. Louis from eastern Europe nearly 40 years ago. With two locations in the area—on Meramec Avenue in Clayton and on Olive Boulevard—it is the place to go for unique and vintage jewelry. “We purchase from all over the world,” says owner Ella Pernik, adding that the store carries pieces from the 1800s to present day. The business also specializes in new and vintage music boxes, wristwatches and accessories. “We have four generations of expertise in buying, selling, appraising and repairing fine jewelry, timepieces and other collectibles,” Pernik says. All buyers at Timekeepers are graduates of the Gemological Institute of America.
civil alchemy
Kelley Barr, founder and former partner of K. Hall Studio, wanted to create something meaningful in the community while exploring new ideas and old hobbies. The result is Civil Alchemy in Webster Groves, a kind of modern-day general story. Barr developed the concept with her son, Ian VanDam. VanDam refers to the store as “the world’s smallest department store,” carrying everything from apparel and jewelry to fresh flowers and locally made chocolates. He explains that the only overarching themes are quality and thoughtfulness. “It makes for a great intersection of people with all sorts of interests,” he says. This year, Civil Alchemy is introducing its own gin brand, Civil Alchemy Truly Floral Blue No. 5, distilled in Defiance, Missouri. The store hosts events like food and beverage tastings and trunk shows, and it will soon offer classes in areas like crafting, foraging and flower pressing. “We believe that as we grow, the community will continue to stand by us,” VanDam says. “St. Louis is very loyal to local businesses.”
elleard heffern
Opened in 1913, Elleard Heffern is St. Louis’ oldest independent fine jeweler. Originally located downtown, the store moved to Clayton in the 1970s. Its mission to provide high-quality, distinctive jewelry continues into its fourth generation, according to Kit Heffern, president and grandson of the company’s founder. “First-time visitors often remark on how different our jewelry is from what they see everywhere else. That’s because we always are seeking emerging international designers who offer limited, specialized production,” he says. An example is the Gismondi 1754 line. The Italian collection has been worn by celebrities like Jane Fonda, and Elleard Heffern is the only independent jewelry store in the U.S. to feature it. The company also is known for restoring and remodeling outdated jewelry, according to Heffern. “St. Louis has a rich history in the arts, architecture, fashion and culture,” he notes. “It’s our pleasure to serve a community that appreciates beauty and craftsmanship.”
j.a. whitney
J.A. Whitney opened in Ladue in 1994 before moving to Town & Country in 2007. Jennifer Geschke and her mother, Lois, purchased the store in 2011. They’ve worked to keep the products innovative while staying true to the shop’s 23-year history. It specializes in unique, personalized gifts and offers complimentary gift wrapping. According to Jennifer Geschke, one of the store’s top sellers continues to be hand-painted piggy banks, which it has offered since its founding. “We’re always looking for fresh, up-and-coming products,” she says. “But we also want to keep traditions alive.” She says working with her mom is a big benefit. Not only do they have fun working together, they also are able to provide different insights into how customers will respond to products. Appealing to different generations is part of what has made J.A. Whitney a mainstay. “We have such a loyal following,” Geschke says. “We want to be an active member of the community and give back because St. Louis has done so much for us.”
laurie’s shoes
Opened in 1951, the original Laurie’s Shoes on Manchester Road was built as bomb shelter during the Korean War. As well as housing shoes, it was a safe place for the community if the need arose. Thankfully, its secondary use was not a necessity, but the family-owned business has continued to grow over four generations. Laurie’s carries a huge array of footwear, more than 50,000 pairs, according to owner Mark Waldman. It offers brands from around the world, including Italy and France. It also has pedorthists on staff to make sure its footwear is stylish and comfortable. “Our goal is complete customer satisfaction, no matter the specific need,” Waldman says. He notes that St. Louis is like a wonderful secret, offering the best benefits without much recognition. “We have a client base that espouses the Midwestern philosophy of honesty, hard work and appreciation,” he says. “We are committed to this town!”
sasha nicholas
Sasha Nicholas porcelain dinnerware was once only sold through mail order and at select stores across the United States, but in April of this year, it opened its first retail boutique on Clayton Road. “We have filled a hole left by Byron Cade and now represent other brands as well as our own,” says owner Cindy Nouri. In fact, Nouri carries more than 60 other brands, including Waterford Crystal, Herend, Royal Copenhagen, Le Creuset and, come the new year, Mauviel copper cookware. She says some Sasha Nicholas items, like the gold, monogrammed porcelain bowls, are limited edition and unique to the 1,000-square-foot Clayton Road store. “We aren’t selling them anywhere else in the country,” she says. In addition to wedding registry items, Nouri says she stocks a large selection of what she calls hostess gifts, like embroidered cocktail napkins, lifestyle and interior design books, and jewelry.
b. davis design
In 2011, Barb Davis decided to open B. Davis Design as an extension of her years of design experience. The shop offers a unique mix of curated home decor, reflecting Davis’ personal vision. “I don’t shop trends; I just sell what I love and am passionate about,” she explains. She regularly goes on buying trips to bring in one-of-kind buys, including antiques. B. Davis is a Mackenzie Childs dealer, offers custom ribbons, and has a custom wreath and floral department. The store’s greatest appeal, however, is its customer service. “We make you feel like you’re in our home,” Davis says. “We are personally invested in helping everyone pick the perfect gift or item.” The personal attention keeps customers coming back and referring friends. “St. Louis is a very loyal community, and everyone loves to shop local,” she says. “They’re loyal Cardinals fans and loyal B. Davis fans!”
sign of the arrow
What could be better than shopping that impacts the community in beneficial ways? That’s what a visit to Sign of the Arrow guarantees since all proceeds from every purchase go to good causes. The beloved nonprofit needlepoint store, established in 1966 by nine women of the St. Louis Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi, is staffed by more than 80 volunteers. Since its inception, it has donated more than $3.6 million to 187 different charities. Originally, Sign of the Arrow’s merchandise consisted of cards and paper products, baked goods, consignment needlepoint and crafts, but 50 years (and a couple of moves) later, it has expanded and now is known for an extensive selection of designer needlepoint, furniture, fibers, tableware, holiday decorations, sorority gifts, baby gifts, picture frames, stationery, trunk shows and classes. “We have such a unique selection,” says general manager Julie Filean. “There’s something for mom, dad, kid and home, and all your shopping gives back!”