The Taste of Merchants' Square

During The Taste of Merchants’ Square—held this Thursday, Friday and Saturday—one lucky reader will win a prize package valued at more than $2,000.

By: Mimi Vanderhaven
Date: 05/13/2008
One lucky shopper will win a grand prize valued at over $2,000,” proclaims Maryanna Doria, owner of the delightful D’Ora women’s boutique.

She’s speaking of course about The Taste of Merchants’ Square, held this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Merchants’ Square in Fairlawn.

“We’ve always worked together toward one common goal,” insists Beth Cevasco, who along with husband Scott, owns Scott’s Custom Jewelers. “We all put every customer who shops at Merchants’ Square—first. This is our way of thanking our regular customers and introducing new customers to all the wonderful shops and services we have to offer.”

In keeping with the bond they share, the businesses of Merchants’ Square have joined together to make this three day event one of the most exciting shopping weekends—ever.
The grand prize will feature items and gift certificates generously donated by each merchant. In addition, nearly every shop will offer a discount, fabulous sale or shopping bonus when you visit during the three-day “Taste.”

Your chances of winning increase in relation to the number of businesses you visit. “Guests will receive one entry toward the grand prize per store,” Lori Tittle, owner of the Gallery of Framing explains brightly. “The more businesses you sample and experience, the more opportunities you have to win the grand prize.”

And because no Taste would be complete without something deliciously divine to savor, each business in the square is providing something uniquely flavorful to spice up your visit. “Most of us typically have some kind of pastry and beverage for our guests to enjoy while shopping,” Ann Reicosky of Coco’s offers. “But this weekend, we’re going all out.”

A visit to Merchants’ Square provides an exciting opportunity to experience a number of unique businesses—all in one delightful locale.

Here, darling, is a little of what you can expect at The Taste of Merchants’ Square.

Outfitters Inc. 330-836-8101
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

New to the Square, Outfitters began by selling sporty clothes in Chagrin Falls more than 30 years ago. Owner Paul Lechner and his son Michael now provide one of the most exciting collections of women’s wear in the area.

“Our customers are bright, active and discerning women who know what’s in...and what’s not. We want our guests to have fun, whether they’re dressing for the office, a charitable event or a day of organizing their family’s schedules,” Paul offers. “By offering a huge variety of brand names, we promise that anyone can stay up-to-date on current fashions, while enjoying reasonable prices.”

In addition to offering sportier gear from brands like Fresh Produce, Outfitters also carries the latest in designer jackets, skirts and trousers.

During The Taste of Merchants’ Square, Outfitters has contributed a $100 gift certificate to the grand prize package and shoppers will have a fun opportunity to draw a scroll for a variety of great in-store discounts.

City Cleaners 330-836-3032
Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This family-owned business has been serving Greater Akron for more than 100 years. “We pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of quality cleaning, along with excellent customer service,” General Manager Jeff Sitz provides.

To do that, City Cleaners stays up to date on the latest cleaning techniques and machinery. “We specialize in designer garments,” he assures.

And their on-site seamstress can help ensure that every one of those garments fits just right.

“We can take an average outfit and turn it from fresh off the rack, to fresh off the runway. It’ll end up looking like it was made just for you,” he smiles.

Customers of City Cleaners enjoy the hassle-free convenience of twice weekly pickup and delivery to and from their home.

“We’re offering every visitor to The Taste of Merchants’ Square 50% off of all dry cleaning and shirt laundry orders when they bring in a receipt from any of the other stores in the plaza, for purchases made during the weekend,” he confirms. City Cleaners has also contributed a $100 gift card to The Taste of Merchants’ Square grand prize package.See store for complete details and additional discounts.

Christopher’s Hair and Nails
330-867-3603
Tuesday -Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With its bold décor and decidedly urban style, customers of Christopher’s Hair and Nails often comment that they feel as though they’re in a hip, New York locale.

Owner Christopher LeVoyer has been doling out glamorous “do’s” to customers who want to stay on the cutting edge of current trends for the past 20 years. “We provide high-end services with a personal touch,” he expresses.

His talented staff includes a styling specialist from Dallas and a Gold Level artist from Alterna in Beverly Hills.

“Our customers depend on us to create fabulous looks suited to their individual needs and lifestyles,” Christopher confides. “We’re known for our outstanding quality and level of expertise in all areas of hair service—including color and product offerings.”

Look for the Mantra and Alterna professional salon products when you visit.

Christopher’s Hair and Nails is offering a $50 gift certificate to the grand prize winner and $10 off of any color service booked during the event.

REFLEXOLOGYPlus 330-801-3668
Hours by Appointment
www. REFLEXOLOGYPlus.org

After nearly 10 years in business, Care’n, owner of REFLEXOLOGYPlus, knows she’s got just the right touch. “We have the only center in the area with a Nationally Certified Reflexologist on staff,” Care’n remarks.

“Reflexology is a respected science that focuses on the specific reflex endpoints in the foot. A person’s feet hold a lifetime accumulation of tension that results from adapting to stress. During a Reflexology appointment, clients recline while a relaxing acupressure “massage” is applied to the feet, relieving stress blockages and allowing renewed vitality and overall quality health.”

Over the years, Care’n has grown her center to include a Licensed Esthetician and Massage Therapist. “We also feature a Reiki Master, who specializes in emotional support,” she shares. The staff at REFLEXOLOGYPlus uses only the finest essential oils during treatment, which is why you’ll find the Young Living brand for purchase at the studio.

During The Taste of Merchants’ Square, stop in to visit Care’n before noon each day and she’ll be happy to answer any questions about her services.

REFLEXOLOGYPlus has contributed a $150 gift certificate to the grand prize package.

Coco’s 330-864-2115
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

When Diane Sweeney set about creating a place for women of all ages who were looking for more than just clothes, she knew the delightful ambience afforded by Merchants’ Square was just what today’s fashion forward woman ordered and opened her Coco’s boutique to rave reviews just over one year ago.

“We help every woman look and feel her best,” Diane assures. And they do that by carrying an exceptional assortment of hard-to-find, designer apparel and accessories like Tulle, Boho Chic, Big Buddha, Alberto Mikali and more.

The introduction of Coco’s After-Hours Parties and fundraisers have been met with great success. Coco’s manager and experienced fashion consultant, Ann Reicosky, enjoys coordinating events for customers, after the doors are closed to the public. Ladies who want to shop and make a purchase during a special after-hours party receive a discount on their purchases,” remarks Ann.

Coco’s has contributed a beautiful handbag, valued up to $100 to the grand prize drawing and an opportunity to draw a scroll for discounts ranging from 10-30% off of your entire purchase.

D’Ora 330-864-1200
Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

D’Ora is a fashion savvy boutique owned by style maven Maryanna Doria. “I’ve included artfully arranged pieces from exclusive designers like Eskandar of London, Yeohlee of New York, and Rozae Nichols of Los Angeles, to name a few,” she smiles.

“And renowned designer, Lili Butler, personally visits my store three times a year to create custom, made-to-order apparel for my customers. It’s a huge honor.”

“When I decide to add a new collection, I always take my customers’ wants and needs into consideration first,” Maryanna says. And as a lovely added bonus, D’Ora carries sizes that range from two to 20. “My customers always tell me they can’t believe they’re still in Akron,” she exclaims. That might be due in part to their extensive collection of the Italian line of MaxMara clothing, or the simple fact that a D’Ora shopping experience is out of this world.

Maryanna at D’Ora will offer discounts on purchases and $20 in D’Ora dollars for every $100 spent during The Taste weekend, to use toward a future purchase. “I am also contributing a $300 gift certificate to the winner of the Merchants’ Square drawing and offering an oppportunity to draw a scroll for discounts off of your entire purchase,” she beams.

Gallery of Framing 330-835-3046
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and by appointment

At the Gallery of Framing, customers may choose from more than 3,000 wood and metal moldings, and an extensive palette of mat colors to complement their artwork. “We not only accentuate the beauty of the pieces, but protect them as well,” owner Lori Tittle assures.

A computerized mat cutter assists Lori in creating intricate designs. “We feature an extensive selection of ready-made frames, closed corner frames, and custom created acrylic boxes,” she offers.

But if you don’t have your art in hand, not to worry, because the Gallery of Framing also carries an extensive selection of prints, posters and limited edition artwork. “We feature Victorian style birth, baptismal and wedding certificates, as well as greeting cards crafted by local artists,” Lori smiles.

The Gallery of Framing is offering shoppers “scroll” discounts, during this special weekend event. Open your scroll to reveal your discount for the day. They are also contributing a gorgeous beveled mirror with Arquati frame, valued at over $400, to the grand prize package.

Distinctions 330-864-0406
Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For anyone looking to customize their home, Distinctions offers a full menu of products and services. “We offer a unique blend of interior design services that includes custom upholstery and hand-painted furniture, in addition to a generous selection of furniture, lamps and accessories displayed throughout our store,” owner Marsha Dellagnese explains.

Every interior design is tailored to the individual needs of the client. “Our designers create timeless themes that incorporate the old and the new, classic and transitional,” she shares. Whether you are downsizing, combining households, remodeling, building, or just want to create a new look, Distinctions can help make your home a reflection of you.

During The Taste of Merchants’ Square, Distinctions is offering 10% off all Sid Dickens Collectible Memory Blocks.

Scott’s Custom Jewelers
330-865-9595
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and Scott’s Custom Jewelers features this delicious
gemstone-and many more. Baubles come in all shapes and sizes, but at Scott’s they come designed around you.

“We utilize a state-of-the-art 3D CAD design program that allows us to design exactly what the customer wants,” insists Beth and her husband Scott, third generation jewelers, who own the lovely Fairlawn jewelry store. “We can show you a virtual picture of what your finished piece will look like, even before it’s been created.”

With three on-site jewelers to assist you and the capacity to make their own jewelry waxes, Scott’s has got the design process down to a science. “Because we do much of the work in house, we’re able to create your piece in a fraction of the time it might normally take,” Scott emphasizes.

Scott’s Custom Jewelers is contributing a generous gift certificate to the grand prize drawing and is offering free jewelry cleaner to folks who stop by during the weekend event.

Savile Lane 330-864-8642
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

“We wanted to create a place where the average guy could afford a custom-made shirt, suit or pair of pants,” explains Cindy Chen - Tielsch, owner of Savile Lane. “We’re all about the right fit, the right price and fast turnaround.”

They use a proprietary computer design program that translates a customer’s exact measurements into a perfectly fitting, custom piece of clothing.

It not only takes the guesswork out of the equation, but eliminates the need for time-consuming, costly re-fittings.

Most custom-made shirts at Savile Lane average $79 – half of what other places charge and the choice of fabrics is impressive too.

“As trends continue toward business casual, we have added great designer labels like Burberry, Diesel, Lacoste and Theory.

We also employ a number of expert tailors and everyone here is trained to help clients find exactly what they’re looking for,” Cindy explains.

During The Taste of Merchants’ Square, Savile Lane is offering a free pair of cufflinks when you stop in and register for the grand prize drawing and a variety of scroll discounts. They have also donated a custom-made shirt and pair of pants, valued at over $200, to the grand prize drawing.


Georgie of Paris 330-864-4321
Hours by appointment

“The right hair design is not driven by trends or fads,” explains Georgie Herro, owner of Georgie of Paris. “It is about the texture of your hair, the shape of your face, the color and tone of your skin, your personality, and even your career. It is a representation of who you are.”

But creating the look that’s right for you isn’t something just anyone with a pair of scissors is equipped to do. It takes years of specialized training, like the kind offered by the creative designers at Georgie of Paris.

And if finding the right hair color has been somewhat of a challenge, Georgie’s design team is ready to take yours on. “Color is communication and creativity. It evokes emotion and provides limitless opportunities for our clients,” he insists. And they take every relationship personally. “It is not possible to design the right look without getting to know the client.”

Georgie of Paris features hair designers who have trained all over the world. They have also contributed a few special surprises towards the grand prize package.

Beautiful Merchants’ Square is located on Ghent Road, between West Market Street and Sand Run Parkway.
The Taste of Merchants’ Square will run Thursday through Saturday, May 15-17, during regular business hours.

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