Considering all the headaches that can be associated with the holidays—preparing food for the masses, traveling during a hectic time and yes, even dealing with hordes of family—buying for everyone on your ‘gift list’ shouldn’t be one of them. Lucky for St. Louisans, several shopping destinations are ready to simplify the process—and turn it into the joy it should be. The Market Place in Ladue and Clayprice Shopping Center provide amenities you’d never find at big-box stores: front-door parking, unique specialty merchandise and employees who know you well enough to understand your tastes and cater to them.
Owned and operated by the Cella family, both shopping centers live up to the reputation of the family name, which has been associated with local real estate for generations. Aleksandar Jovanovic, general manager and wine director at Truffles in Clayprice, says the center provides a true neighborhood atmosphere. “The philosophy behind the shopping center shines through the highly specialized, high-quality stores,” he notes. “It’s great to be a part of such an environment. The whole experience is simple and less hectic than other shopping destinations, and we take great pride in that.”
Jovanovic says the specialty stores at Clayprice fill a very small niche that can’t be found elsewhere. “You have Lordo’s Diamonds, which has been around for more than 50 years, and then Codi the Boutique, which offers fun, hand-designed jewelry,” he says. “Customers feel like they’re in a big city when they come to The Butchery, which has a unique Himalayan pink salt dry aging room. And there is no place like Sweetology. Parents can drop their kids off, ages 12 and up, to decorate cupcakes while they get some holiday shopping done.”
Each shop brings in specific items for the holidays, and Truffles will offer holiday specials for diners. “Clayprice is safe, convenient and features great local stores—that really separates the center from a big shopping mall,” Jovanovic says. “The whole experience is so much better.”
Sallie Kramer, owner of Sallie Home, echoes the same sentiments about The Market Place in Ladue, which her store has called home for more than 25 years. “This is unique retail,” she says. “All of the shops here are family-owned by St. Louisans, and each has its own unique concept.”
There are multiple advantages to shopping at The Market Place in Ladue for the holidays, or any time, Kramer notes. “Every store offers complimentary gift wrap, and being able to park right at the front door is a gift to the customer. And it’s a very personal shopping experience,” she says. Kramer points out that each business has loyal customers. “We know our customers and call them by name,” she says. “And we know their friends and family, so when it’s gift giving time, we can help them find the right items. At a big store, they just don’t care as much.”
The camaraderie among store owners in The Market Place in Ladue is beneficial to shoppers, too, as sometimes one shop owner may suggest items at another Market Place store. Each boutique offers different items, and the vendors tend to be familiar with what their neighbors carry. “We all support each other. My paycheck goes directly to the stores at The Market Place,” Kramer jokes.
Pictured: Aleksandar Jovanovic
[Shops in The Market Place in Ladue at 9749 to 9831 Clayton Road include: Savvy Surrounding Style, Ladue PT, D.D.M. Outdoors, Dandelions, Service Bureau, Companion Bake House, Red L Pizza, Smoothie King, El an, Jules L. Pass Antiques, Kim Kuehner Sportswear, Mister Guy (Men’s and Women’s), Sallie Design, MA CS Designs, Pilates & Yoga Center of Ladue, and Mandel’s Jewelry. Clayprice Shopp ing Center, 9202 to 9222 Clayton Road, includes: Codi the Boutique, Lordo’s Diamonds, Prints Charming Gallery, Sweetology, Truffles/Butchery and Tymm’s Place.]