New Hope retail roundup: Will Bucks County Caramel Corn Clusters dominate South Main snack scene? Plus bye-bye Verizon, hello Mohan

Bucks County Caramel Corn Clusters in New Hope (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Feverish positioning for the busy warm season ahead continues, with Bridge Street flavored popcorn emporium Bucks County Caramel Corn Clusters moving to South Main Street, Verizon vacating 30 W. Bridge Street and women’s fashion retailer Snapdragon taking its place, New Hope perennial retailer Mohan Mohinani opening an apparent third location at the former Beyond the Wall poster shop, and Four Seasons Mall favorite Guy Stuff opening its newly-expanded space.
First up: Bucks County Caramel Corn Clusters is holding its grand opening at 87 South Main St. on the weekend of May 3-4, having vacated its former West Bridge Street home. The new store has been renovated with no expense spared, and looks clean and inviting.

Owners confirmed they’re also taking on the space next store, previously occupied by New Hope Candle Shop, which will initially take the the form of a “coffee and gelato bar” that could ultimately morph into a cafe. All in all, this airy, well-lit snack spot with driven owners and top-notch interior design could become a dominant force in the competitive downtown food service sector.

Mohan’s new store

New Hope Indian fashion mogul Mohan K. Mohinani has opened the doors of his new women’s and kid’s clothing mart in the former Beyond the Wall poster location on South Main Street. Signage will ultimately reveal its name, but if you haven’t had enough of Mohan’s unique fashion vision, this is more Mohan than you’ve ever dreamed.

Women’s fashion retailer Snapdragon has hung its shingle up the hill at 30 W. Bridge Street, the former Verizon store. A quick glance revealed a well-organized selection of women’s clothing, accessories, home goods and gifts.

Snapdragon at 30 W. Bridge St. (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

And last, but by no means least, Guy Stuff in the Four Seasons Mall on South Main Street has re-opened, and is bigger and badder than ever, with expanded lines of Airsoft, pointy things, and politically incorrect signage, all of which seems to draw a good size audience.
New Hope’s own version of musical merchant chairs is sure to heat up even more as temperatures outdoors climb. Next up: what the heck are they planning on doing at 46 N. Main Street? Rumors are flying…

New Hope’s West Bridge Street gaining momentum as fashion center

Shopping | By Charlie Sahner 

 

In modern times, anchor fashionistas Savioni at West Bridge and South Main streets have dominated for years, opposite Love Saves the Day, known for its vintage clothing section. Then came the trendy Bliss jewelry/accessory emporium up the hill on West Bridge Street, followed sometime later by Angel Hearts and its take on high-end classic ladies’ wear at No. 12.

Now, another shop is on the way for women with room in their closet and cash to burn: The Sharon C. Boutique at 6 W. Bridge St., former home to sex store Sweet Escape.

Sharon C. bills itself as a formal boutique, with a half-finished front window exploding with sequins, and a phone call to the owner yielding a flustered associate at the Bag Ladies on South Main Street. Opening date is uncertain, but movement is apparent.

And word on the street is that the former Burch & Jones Jewelers location around the corner at 9 N. Main St. will also soon go the way of women’s wear and accessories.

All of which seems promising, as vacancies get filled with related but distinct variations on women’s wear, and New Hope potentially gains its own “fashion avenue.”

9 N. Main St. in New Hope

 
Bliss

New Hope business scene: more new players gear up for the high season

Angel Hearts in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Commercial occupancy rates seem to be creeping up in New Hope, and even accounting for seasonal factors, it seems that cautious optimism at least partially rooted in the Bucks County Playhouse renovation has taken hold in local business circles. Three cases in point:

Newtown women’s clothing and accessory boutique Angel Hearts apparently had a change of heart about their retail location and switched to 12 W. Bridge St. in New Hope last month. Specializing in high-end jewelry, handbags, scarves, shoes and imported women's couture, what's also interesting about Angel Hearts is that owner Sherri Daugherty and her husband Kevin are the locally famous couple who funded the purchase and refurbishment of the Bucks County Playhouse re-opening next month.

Grabbing the empty storefront at 48 W. Ferry St. is the Stephen Clark Design Group, which intends to use the space "as an office for design projects as well as a retail store with furniture and doodads," according to the company. Ferry Street has been under some pressure in recent years as New Hope's commercial district has contracted, and the avenue once known as "antiques row" is also home to an important local bridge currently under construction. Nonetheless, an interior design business seems a logical choice for this particular location, especially given the borough's tendency toward business category redundancy.

And speaking of redundancy, another intriguing newcomer is a yet unnamed frozen yogurt store opening soon at 88 S. Main St. While New Hope has never experienced a dearth of frozen confection outlets, don't bet against this one. It's owned by Han Pan, and if you don't know who he is, you soon will. Currently executive director at the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia and board member at the National Council of Chinese Americans, Han has also served as an officer at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and been deputy executive director of the Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs.

Bottom line: Don't expect this former community organizer and Main Street Manager to stick with the status quo when it comes to fulfilling his goal of making New Hope an international tourist destination.

Soap Opera Company of Lahaska expands into New Hope

The Soap Opera Company in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Betting on a retail rebound inspired by renovation of the landmark Bucks County Playhouse, the Soap Opera Company of Peddler’s Village in Lahaska has opened a second location in the heart of New Hope, steps away from the theater in the former Strawberry Jam space.

Owner Kristen Maldonado purchased the original Soap Opera Company in 2010 so that “as a single parent I could reinvent my professional life,” she said. “I wanted to be able to work at home with my daughter Bella after school, and that was the driving force behind the decision to buy the business and overhaul it.”

During the last two years, the Peddler’s Village retail location has undergone a merchandising facelift. Known for handcrafted soaps, bath salts, and bath bombs, the Soap Opera now features a broader variety of bath, body and linen products, including bubble baths, liquid soaps, organic lines, seasonal soaps, linens, and a kids’ section.

Speaking of her newly opened New Hope location, Maldonado said, “We are humbled and honored to be in the spot formerly occupied by Strawberry Jam, and we’re grateful for the welcome shown to us by the community.
“We've already started customizing our inventory to reflect New Hope customer preferences versus those of Peddler’s Village,” she added.

Two standouts in the new store were the “Morning Mint” line by Archipelago Botanicals, and the large olive-based block soap from Marseilles (also great for cleaning artists’ brushes).

There will certainly be enough local competition but, says Maldonado, “Don't let the big rubber ducks in the window fool you. The Soap Opera staff is serious about soaps, showers, all things bath.”

The Soap Opera Company is located at 44 S. Main St.; (215) 693-1774.

"The Deco Guys" of New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

The retail sector has been among the hardest hit, as many of us are all too aware. But despite the intensifying pressure to survive brought about by the financial crisis, rise of the Internet and higher gas prices, some local businesses are sensing a turn and betting on a rebound.

Cockamamie's is one of them. A New Hope retail landmark for nearly 16 years, the Art Deco furniture, lighting and collectibles emporium located at 15 N. Main St. has rented 13 N. Main St. next door, virtually doubling the size of their selling space starting Memorial Day weekend.

Said Co-Owner John Dwyer of the addition, "We love the window space offered by the store. We've got a ton of great pieces that are sitting in storage, and this is a chance to showcase some of the more grand and eye-catching examples."

Dwyer and partner Herb Millman, sometimes referred to as the "Deco Guys", are authors of two books, "Art Deco Lighting" and "Popular Art Deco Lighting, Shades of the Past", and have appeared as lighting experts for QVC.

Said Millman of the expansion amid an uncertain economic backdrop, "We couldn't make it without the support of our long-time customers. It's their loyalty and the 'word-of-mouth' advertising they create that support our business.

"We're also betting on a New Hope renaissance centered around the restoration of the Bucks County Playhouse," he continued. And he's not the only one.

Of course, none of us have a crystal ball, but a retail expansion by an established name on what was once the premier shopping block in New Hope is a sign of renewal, optimism, and just plain chutzpah.

Is New Hope home to the world's creepiest shop?

by Charlie Sahner

"Creepy" really doesn't do the place justice.

Teardrop Memories, which has just moved into even larger, creepier quarters, houses what may be the world's largest collection of Victorian-era bird cages and mourning items, along with an array of eerie objects ranging from the merely disturbing and macabre all the way to grotesque and gruesome.

"It scares even me," says owner Greg Cristiano.

Popular store items include Victorian mourning jewelry, antique veterinary cures and pet supplies, and vintage funeral collectibles.
"We put the 'fun' back in 'funeral'," commented Cristiano.

Teardrop Memories, located at 12 W. Mechanic St., can now be seen from the bridge by the Bucks County Playhouse; 215-862-3401.

My My boutique hits New Hope

My My, what a funky boutique in New Hope (photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Maureen Ferguson has moved her retail showcase of independent artists, crafters, and vintage clothing from Doylestown to New Hope, and West Ferry Street may never be the same.

In fact, the retail-challenged street once known as "Antiques Row" has shown signs of life lately, not only with the opening of My My, but also the advent of Little Barn Antiques next door and the expansion of Sally Goodman Antiques further up the hill.

Ferguson seems charming, intelligent and understated, as are her offerings. She believes that her tagline speaks for itself: "handmade. vintage. awesome."

Prices start at around $6 for a bar of handmade soap. Of note were the vintage fabrics, radio collection, and newsprint flower sculptures. The space is airy and inviting.

My My is located at 15 W. Ferry St.; 215-693-1318.

New Hope Shopping: What to get for the witch who has everything

High Heel Drag Race on Mechanic Street in New Hope 2010

By Charlie Sahner

New Hope's West Mechanic Street was packed Sunday night with Halloween revelers and spectators of the borough's Annual High Heel Drag Race.

Contestants had to race uphill to the top of the block near the canal, then back down the street.  The event, sponsored by TearDrop Memories, required that participants wear high heels and carry antique bird cages while running.

Prizes were provided by local merchants, who were quite generous this year.

The legal drag race was immediately followed by a parade of zombies sponsored by Delia's Makeup and Theatrical Supplies.

The whole affair was creepy beyond belief, and the crowd ate it up, so to speak.

Only in New Hope!

Scenes with Gene Ween at New Hope's God Save the Qweens

By Charlie Sahner

We spent some video time with co-founder and lead vocalist Gene Ween (a.k.a. Aaron Freeman) of alternative rock band Ween at their New Hope headquarters, God Save the Qweens, 13. W. Mechanic St.

Features acoustic version of Birthday Boy.

A good time was had by all!

Sweet Escape in New Hope is Sensual Superstore with Personal Touch

Just another lingerie store?

Not! This multi-room space is crammed with accoutrements.

By Charlie Sahner

What had been billed by locals for months as a future "lingerie shop" at 6 W. Bridge St. turned out this week to be much, much more.

Sweet Escape is a "sensual store for women and couples," says owner Dawn Ellery.

Tastefully decorated, with an airy, inviting feeling, the store belies the adult store stereotype.

The lingerie serves as a veil, behind which are roomy display areas for oils, unguents, and what might appear to the famous cartoon character Mr. Magoo as an extensive selection of *ahem* plumbing fixtures and thermoses.  Beyond are smaller rooms, with more lingerie, a low-key selection of DVDs, and books for women and couples of all lifestyles.

So what distinguishes this shop from three others of somewhat similar ilk in New Hope?

"The store is open and romantic, dialogue is encouraged, the product mixture is good, and we're creating a more comfortable space," says Ellery.

Reigning king of fetish wear Le Chateau Exotique on West Mechanic Street won't be threatened competitively by this newcomer, but the other two must be sweating.

Ellery aims to utilize the large space for events, including those run by therapists specializing in wellness and sensuality education.  A former corporate benefits manager, she lives in Yardley with her husband and two children.

This store will be a contender.

A grand opening celebration featuring wine, cheese, and giveaways is scheduled for 6-10 p.m., Aug. 28.

215-862-9900.

Popular New Hope Resident Living the American Dream

By Charlie Sahner

Lots of people in New Hope, PA know Memo (pronounced like the word 'memo') Quieroz.

He says he's 59, but I don't believe it, even though his hair seems to get darker with each passing year.

He's been working for a long time in New Hope, sometimes 20 hours in a row or more, and saving his money so that he could become a businessman once more, as he had been in his native Mexico. He's been a regular fixture about town, working jobs like parking lot supervisor and maintenance person in places like George Michael's Union Square and Canal Street developments, as well as the Four Seasons Mall at 32 S. Main St.

He survived some hard times in Mexico, and worked so hard here that he had a heart attack a few years ago, but bounced back, saved his pennies and has now bought the well known Planet Wear store in the Four Seasons Mall (first store on the left), renaming it "Memo Wear."

Offerings consist mainly of soccer shirts emblazoned with the national colors of various World Cup teams, t-shirts, jeans, jewelry and Lotto games. I bought one of the soccer shirts that he still carries about a year ago from the prior owner; it's held up well and seems high-quality.

Memo himself seems like a high quality guy, and living proof that the American Dream lives on in New Hope, PA.

New Painting Studio and Gallery in New Hope, PA

Le Kaloidis is an excellent abstract oil painter who recently opened a studio and gallery at 43 Bridge Street, in the back portion of the New Hope Arts Center building overlooking the Delaware Canal.

But what's particularly interesting and refreshing is that one can barely get the man to talk about himself; instead he'll shift the conversation to how great the Arts Center's sculpture show is and how much he loves watching the wildlife in the nearly-dry canal. He didn't even mention that his work on paper is on display in the PNC Branch on N. Main Street in New Hope through the end of June.

It also takes a certain amount of chutzpah to be try to make and sell abstract art in a town better known for mixed media paintings of barns and black and white photos of local canal bridges in the fog. But the art he creates has a certain coherence, vibrancy and movement, and when you visit Lee he's clearly more interested in sharing ideas, good company, and promoting art in New Hope rather than selling you a painting.

And if New Hope continues to add working artist studio spaces at reasonable rates around the Art Center nucleus and beyond, then the town will solidify its reputation as a regional art powerhouse. "Art towns" are gauged, after all, not only by the presence of galleries, but on the number of artists living and producing quality work within their boundaries.

One wonders if the owner of the abandoned Zadar's building occupying much of New Hope's prime waterfront would consider the tax advantages of providing low-cost studio spaces for artists there; it would also go a long way to generating goodwill among the town's residents and leadership.

Meanwhile, you might want to check out Lee's place at 43 Bridge. He's an interesting guy and he's got good art. :-)

Vlog: A Tramp through New Hope PA and Lambertville NJ

A few fine opinionated fellows with a video camera shoot the breeze on strange visitor's center advice, the River Horse Brewery, theater, Zadar's, Finkel's, neckties, Jerry Garcia and Tyvek. Somewhat amateurish and pointless, it has its moments, particularly the changing of the word "ruta" to "puta" on back door of a Mexican food delivery truck. Language rated "R".

Suzie Hot Sauce in New Hope PA Gets a New Owner and Facelift

Signs of the Times in New Hope PA

The good.




The bad.





The ugly.

Friendly Mohan from House of India in New Hope PA tries to sell me a dress...I love this guy!

Shopping Safari to Jake's Playhouse in New Hope PA

Howard Kurs of Lazer Illusions in New Hope PA Talks About Holiday Gift Ideas

Surprise Shopping Visit to Cockamamie's Art Deco Store in New Hope PA