Local jewelry store
Silverscape Designs
1 King St., Northampton
(413) 584-3324 www.silverscapedesigns.com
Forty years ago, Denis Pearlman had a vision for a jewelry store like no other. “We are still following his vision and sparkle,” says general manager Jane Merrill. He created a renowned destination shopping place, now best known for its gemstones and unique designs. Silverscape’s goldsmiths, Merrill says, are two of the best in the Valley, and the staff takes customization to new levels. “We can pretty much take anyone’s vision and make a beautiful piece of jewelry,” says Merrill.
2nd: Hannoush Jewelers
Various locations
(888) 325-3935 www.hannoush.com
3rd: Murduff’s Jewelery
90 Main St., Florence
(413) 586-8760 www.murduffs.com
Used clothing store
Salvation Army
Various locations
(800) SA-TRUCK www.salvationarmyusa.org
Since 1865, the Salvation Army has been helping the disenfranchised. In a time when more and more of us are squeezed beyond our means, Salvation Army stores provide a sorely needed source of clothing and home goods. Money spent in the stores also helps fund adult rehabilitation centers for those who have lost the ability to provide for themselves. “We want people to come to the store knowing that the money they spend goes back to their community,” says regional store supervisor Susan Morrin.
2nd: Cancer Connection Thrift Shop
375 South St., Northampton
(413) 587-9999 www.cancer-connection.org
3rd: Goodwill
Various locations www.goodwill.org
Place to buy lingerie
Gazebo
14 Center St., Northampton
(413) 584-6673 www.the-gazebo.com
Gazebo is an independent lingerie store that has been giving women undergarments that fit their bodies just right for 38 years. After all, that’s the store’s claim to fame. Gazebo’s personalized service and knowledgeable staff help customers find what they’re looking for — and they do fittings. “It’s all about customer service, one-on-one customer service,” says fitter Donna McNieght. “We don’t want anyone walking out that’s not completely satisfied.”
2nd: Victoria’s Secret
50 Holyoke St. (Holyoke Mall), Holyoke
(413) 533-3423 www.victoriassecret.com
3rd: Adam & Eve
18 Main St., Greenfield
(413) 774-9800 www.adamevegreenfield.com
Bridal boutique
The Bridal Barn & Tux Shoppe
425 Greenfield Rd. , Deerfield
(413) 774-2691 www.thebridalbarn.com
Bridal Barn & Tux Shoppe has been getting Valley people dressed to the nines for the biggest occasions of their lives since 1989. Store manager Faith Reipold says Bridal Barn has thrived is because of great customer service and the retailer keeps up with wedding trends. Right now, for example, dresses need to be unique to each bride, Reipold says. Pops of color and wearing gowns that have a pink or cream tint to them are fashionable this season. “We have a dynamic team,” Reipold says.
2nd: Pearl Bridal Boutique
1 Open Square Way, Holyoke
(413) 315-6102 www.pearlbridalboutique.com
3rd: Aliber’s Bridal
18 Federal St., Greenfield
(413) 773-3939 www.alibersbridal.com
Tuxedo shop
The Bridal Barn & Tux Shoppe
425 Greenfield Rd., Deerfield
(413) 774-2691 www.thebridalbarn.com
See earlier write-up under “Best Bridal boutique.”
2nd: Men’s Wearhouse
21 Holyoke St., Holyoke (413) 533-9266 and various locations www.menswearhouse.com
3rd: Aliber’s Bridal
18 Federal St., Greenfield
(413) 773-3939 www.alibersbridal.com
Hair salon
The Lift
116 Pleasant St. (Eastworks), Easthampton (413) 527-4300 68 Cowl Rd., Amherst (413) 230-3318 www.theliftsalon.com
Stylists at The Lift travel the globe in search of hot ways to do hair, say salon owners Jen LaChapelle and Kim Rodrigo. Combine that know-how with the relaxing experience created at the two salons and you’ve got a winner that the Valley has well recognized. “What’s new? Everything,” LaChapelle says. “The one thing that’s consistent with us, is we never stop trying to be new.”
2nd: Salon 241
241 Main St., Northampton
(413) 584-7798 www.salon241.com
3rd: Salon 180 East
180 Pleasant St., 2nd Fl, Easthampton
(413) 203-2400 www.salon180east.com
Nail salon
Peter’s Nails
458 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 253-0100
Peter’s Nails, on the main drag in Hadley, gets high marks for glossy and often intricate manicures.
2nd: Kristy’s Nails
137 Damon Rd., Ste. D, Northampton
(413) 587-0233
3rd: Brooks & Butterfield
140 Main St., 2nd floor, Northampton
(413) 586-0366 www.brooksandbutterfield.com
Tanning salon
Tropical Tan Tanning Salon
135 Northampton St., Easthampton
(413) 529-1122 www.tropicaltan-ma.com
When winter has everyone at their pastiest, Tropical Tan strives to give customers a “natural, healthy looking tan” using all of the best tanning products. At a recently expanded facility, they offer “state-of-the-art” beds, private booths and full amenities.
2nd: Golden Booty Tanning Resort
6 University Dr., Amherst
(413) 549-8826 www.mygoldenbootytan.com
3rd: Darker Image Tanning Salon
303 Walnut St., Agawam (413) 789-0489 420 Union St. #4, Westfield (413) 568-5100 darkimagetanning.com
Tattoo shop
Off The Map Tattoo
112 Cottage St., Easthampton
(413) 527-6574 www.offthemaptattoo.com
Gabriel Ripley estimates that half of Off the Map’s customers are repeat customers — not too shabby for a line of work that prides itself on the permanent. One secret to the shop’s success: its emphasis on education. Ripley doesn’t tattoo, but he knows technology, and his wife is an early childhood educator. As these skill sets came together, Off the Map built reputation for producing and presenting classes, conferences, discussion panels, and international events for tattoo artists and enthusiasts, both in-person and online. “You can’t copy one piece of the formula,” Ripley says. “It’s all about working together, and we have people who are committed to growing in our field.”
2nd: Lucky’s Tattoo & Piercing
37 Main St., Northampton
(413) 587-0004 www.luckystattoo.org
3rd: Haven Body Arts Piercing & Tattoo
108 Main St., Northampton
(413) 584-6637 www.havenbodyarts.com
Body piercing shop
Lucky’s Tattoo & Piercing
37 Main St., Northampton
(413) 587-0004 www.luckystattoo.org
Lucky’s has been a Main Street staple since 1998 — and it was beginning to show, says owner/piercer Zach Torrin, who purchased the business two years ago. So, it was time for a big renovation. Lucky’s now features new counters and floors, renovated jewelry displays and local artists work on view. “It’s clean and classy; that’s what I wanted, a more updated classy look. Before it was kind of the traditional tattoo parlor look.” Torrin says piercings are a big part of Lucky’s business these days with people interested in wearing unique jewelry instead of a standard silver hoop or stud. So, the expanded jewelry options the renovation allowed were key.
2nd: Haven Body Arts Piercing & Tattoo
108 Main St., Northampton
(413) 584-6637 www.havenbodyarts.com
3rd: Bang Bang Body Arts
7 Armory St., Northampton
(413) 727-3025 www.bangbangbodyarts.com
