Who: Chris Collins
Job: NECN Sports Anchor
His Pick: Giblees
Location: Danvers
“With the exception of some random gym clothes, everything I own comes from this one-stop shop for men’s clothing. From golf wear to club wear to suits and tuxes, they have it all, and for me, there is just no reason to go anywhere else. A Giblees experience is unique and an A-plus.”
Accessories
VIOLA LOVELY in Wenham is the perfect place for those with an undying affinity for details. The shop peddles everything from exquisite jewelry to trendy handbags, but the best part? A major warehouse sale every year allows for some super-stylish (and affordable) stockpiling. 148 Main St., Wenham, 978-468-1775, violalovely.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Mini Masterpieces, Hamilton , artintofashion.com
Antiques
ANDREW SPINDLER ANTIQUES in Essex is exactly where antique collectors should look for items that are both highly personal as well as eclectic. Browse through the unique collection of furniture, paintings, and artwork dating from the 16th- 20th centuries. Owner Andrew Spindler- Roesle is a well-educated, life-long collector who believes that beauty comes in many forms, lending to the unique assortment of merchandise always decorating the shelves. 163 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6045, spindlerantiques.com
READER’S CHOICE: Mill 77, 77 Mill St., Amesbury, 978-792-5046, mill77.com
Arts and Crafts
Unleash your inner artist at CLAY DREAMING pottery studio on Cabot Street in Beverly. Here, you can try out the shop’s wet clay studio or peruse its retail gallery, but whether you’re an experienced ceramist or just starting out, you’re sure to find a way to get your creative juices flowing. The studio is filled with handmade works by the shop’s many loyal patrons, as well as owner Tracie Koeplin’s own minimalistic pieces. Try your hand at one of 10 potter’s wheels or three electric kilns, and take your designs home as a keepsake and proof of your inner Picasso. 186 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-927-1414, claydreaming.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Coveted, 121 East Main St., Gloucester, 978-282-8809, covetedyarn.com
Bags
TWO GIRLS SHOP in Salem is the place to go for creative, fun, and edgy handbags. Browse the collection of well-known brands as well as one-of-a-kind finds from independent and local designers. The shop incorporates an appreciation and consideration of the environment, bringing you a wide range of quality bags for every occasion. 320 Derby St., Salem, 978-744-5191
READER’S CHOICE, Three-Way Tie: Beauty Café, 515 Main St., Melrose, 781-665-6650, thebeautycafe.nu; Modern Millie, 103 Washington St., Salem and 41 Pleasant St., Newburyport, modernmillieshop.com; Viola Lovely, Wenham
Bath/Beauty
North Shore veterans can testify that BC ESSENTIALS in Newburyport is the only destination for the highest quality all-natural healing products. Owners Beverly and Christine only use 100 percent pure essential oils that they hand blend from all over the world. With a huge product selection of blended oils, bath salts, sugar scrubs, body lotions, eye pillows, and aromatherapy favors, you will never have to search any further for all of your pampering needs. 47 Pleasant St., Newburyport, bcessentials.com
READER’S CHOICE: Beauty Cafe, 515 Main St., Melrose, 781-665-6650, thebeautycafe.nu
Bath Supplies
There’s nothing you won’t find for a beautiful bathroom at SALEM PLUMBING SUPPLY AND DESIGNER BATH in Beverly. The stores’ experienced sales staffs expertly help bring to fruition your designer-bath ideas. Whether you’re looking for a sleek new faucet or a steam bath and sauna, this top-rated bath supply store has what it takes to build your dream bathroom. 97 River St., Beverly, 978-921-1200, salemplumbing.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Salem Plumbing Supply and Designer Bath, Beverly
Bikes
For the past 35 years, SEASIDE CYCLE has been providing Manchester-by-the-Sea with the highest-quality, longest-life bicycles and accessories. The sales staff is comprised of knowledgeable and enthusiastic cyclists who are eager to share their expertise. As if that weren’t enough, they allow test rides before purchase and free tune-ups on new bikes. 23 Elm St., Manchester-by-the-Sea, 978-526-1200, seasidecycle.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Urbane Cyclist, 144 Washington St., Salem, 978-594-5174, theURBANEcyclist.com
Beer Selection
When it comes to beer selection and prices, REDSTONE LIQUORS of Stoneham has the competition beat. With a helpful and knowledgeable staff and an unbeatable selection of Belgians, Ales, Micros, Sours, Seasonal brews and more, if you’re looking for a hard-to-find beer, this is where you will find it. The only potential pitfall? Many say their at-home beer consumption increases after stumbling on this gem. 109 Main St., Stoneham, 781-438-9265, redstoneliquors.com
READER’S CHOICE: Andover Liquors, 209 Main St., Andover, 978-470-0500, andoverliquors.com
Books
Dubbed the best bookshop on the North Shore by a number of regional outlets (ourselves included), Newburyport’s JABBERWOCKY books has been stocking its shelves with the most beautiful, timeless, and entertaining books for the past 38 years. What used to be a 350-square-foot hole in the wall is now the largest independent bookstore on the North Shore, with a staff, in the age of electronics, e-readers, smartphones, and the Internet, that is dedicated to bringing people and books together again. 50 Water St., Newburyport, 978-465-9359, jabberwockybookshop.com
READER’S CHOICE: Dogtown Bookshop, 132 Main St., Gloucester, 978-281-5599, dogtownbooks.com
Bridal
What better way to get the exact wedding dress of your dreams than to get one custom made? SEAMS COUTURE in Wenham starts the dressmaking process from scratch, collaborating with brides on the whole design process to ensure the perfect finished product for their big day. All gowns are made-to-measure, custom fit, and handmade here in Seams’ local workroom. 152R Main St., Wenham, 978-473-3398, seamstheshop.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Bella Sera Bridal, 85 Andover St., Danvers, 978-774-4077, bellaserabride.com
Clothing, Men’s Casual
For a business-casual meeting or the perfect weekend style, when it comes to men’s clothing, Newburyport’s JOHN FARLEY CLOTHIERS knows how to create a classic or current look that’s perfect for any day or occasion. With brands like Ralph Lauren, Luigi Bianchi Mantova, and Joseph Abboud and an accommodating and friendly staff, even the most clothing-clueless guys will find themselves looking smart and feeling confident. 31 Water St., Newburyport, 978-462-5401, johnfarleyclothiers.com
Clothing, Men’s Upscale
READERS’ CHOICE: Giblees Fine Clothing, Danvers
Clothing, Vintage
If you’re searching for wearable, trendy vintage clothing, MODERN MILLIE in downtown Salem and Newburyport is your dream shop. With affordable vintage clothing as well as modern pieces, this North Shore destination is the prime location for all of your clothing, jewelry, accessories, and handbag needs. The sales staff is always willing to help you find that perfect statement-making piece. 103 Washington St., Salem, 978-745-0231, modermillieshop.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Modern Millie, Salem and Newburyport
Clothing, Women’s Casual
Andover’s DRESSCODE stocks a wide variety of versatile women’s fashion for any occasion. Whether you need something for an evening out or just for play, Dresscode’s focus on versatility and customer service will provide you with the perfect outfit. You will find classic pieces that outlive fads from famous designer brands to lesser-known designers that allow you to build a fabulous wardrobe no matter what your budget may be. 2 Elm Square, Andover, 978-470-0300, dresscodestyle.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Glee, 29 West St., Beverly, 978-922-4777, gleeboutique.com
Clothing, Women’s Upscale
Nestled in the middle of Marblehead, FRENCH & ITALIAN upscale women’s boutique provides you with a European getaway right in your backyard. The clothes resemble true works of art with over 80 percent of the store’s merchandise coming from France and Italy. If you want to shop Europe without actually going overseas, head to this boutique to be instantly transported to your favorite European city with the promise of returning home with garments you’ll truly treasure. 129 Washington St., Marblehead, 781-639-5129,frenchitalian.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Shift Your Style, Andover
Eyeglasses
With a huge variety of both eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses, it’s no wonder that ANDOVER EYE CARE is the premier eyeglasses destination for an overwhelming number of North Shore residents. You’ll find the staff to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful when choosing from the hundreds of designer frames including owner, Todd Berberian’s own celebrity loved line, Todd Rogers. 77 Main St., Andover, 978-749-7300, andovereye.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Advanced Vision Center, 423 Paradise Rd., Swampscott, 339-440-5105, avcma.com
Furniture
With an eye for high-end European design, SAVOIR FAIRE in Andover is a virtual tour of the European countryside complete with home accessories to help create a distinctive living space all your own. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or the perfect finishing touch for your own home, you can’t go wrong decorating with the shop’s beautifully unique pieces inspired by the French landscape. 23 Barnard St., Andover, 978-409-6188, savoirfairehome.com
READERS’ CHOICE: New England Fine Living, 106 South Main St., Middleton, 978-539-8270, newenglandfineliving.com
Garden
Whether you’re new or a pro in the world of gardening, WOLF HILL HOME AND GARDEN of Ipswich makes creating a garden oasis simple and fun. With reasonably priced products, helpful staff, and an endless array of plants, flowers, and garden accessories and tools, sprucing up your garden is no longer a chore. 60 Turnpike Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-6342, wolfhillgardencenter.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Wolf Hill Home and Garden, Ipswich
Gifts
WISH BASKET, located in downtown Newburyport’s trendy Tannery commercial space, has been a favorite local shop for more than 20 years, providing its customers with gifts and accessories options for every occasion. With so much to choose from, you’ll never run out of gift ideas: here, patrons can pick up home furnishings, bath and body luxuries, specialty foods, jewelry, and other great gifts—even beautiful cards and textiles.50 Water St., Newburyport, 978-465-1515
READERS’ CHOICE: Mason & Madison, 2 Central St., Middleton, 978-777-8883, masonandmadison.com
Hardware
For over 50 years, DAWSON’S HARDWARE in Beverly has been providing its loyal customers with an extensive array of inventory. The neighborhood hardware store has built its reputation on exceptional customer service, priding themselves on having a dedicated staff willing to help you get the job done. 50 Enon St., Beverly, 978-927-1320, dawsonstruevalue.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Winer Brothers Ace Hardware, 86 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-744-0780
Jeans
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn at Newburyport’s very own HéLèNE M. Inspired by the style icon’s classic yet modern fashion sense, this women’s clothing boutique is the premier destination for buying a new pair of jeans. Whether you’re looking for a designer pair or want to slip into a less expensive brand, the unrivaled sales staff will make sure you’re fashionably on trend. 20 Pleasant St., Newburyport, 978-462-0091, helenem.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Izzy’s Emporium, 25 Barnard St., Andover, 978-475-0194, izzys-emporium.com
Jewelry
Who doesn’t want to be part of the Royal family? Your dream can come true at ROYAL JEWELERS of Andover, which offers the best designer jewelry and Swiss timepieces on the North Shore. Their very own David Yurman boutique has pieces fit for a queen, and the experienced personnel are committed to helping you find top-quality rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings at any price point. 58 Main St., Andover, 978-475-3330, royaljewlers.com
READER’S CHOICE, Two-Way Tie: Bernard’s Jewelers, 179 Essex St., Salem, 978-745-0638; Jambu, 38 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, 781-639-9600, jambujewlery.com
Kitchen
There is no project too big or too small for MCCORMICK KITCHENS in Saugus. Their superior craftsmanship and personal involvement with customers is what sets them apart from other kitchen design centers. The pure knowledge of housing structure enables them to install cabinets, faucets, sinks, countertops, and other accessories with ease and precision, helping you to create the kitchen of your dreams and a true work of art. 1161 Broadway, Saugus, 781-231-4200, mccormick-kitchens.com
READER’S CHOICE: Heartwood Kitchens, 75 Newbury St., Danvers, 978-762-7472, heartwoodkitchensandbaths.com
Lighting
The 100 years of expertise at DELANDE LIGHTING, located in the heart of downtown Salem, is what makes this family-owned business so special. Their full-service showroom boasts beautiful and elegant light fixtures for any room in your home or office. If they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, Delande provides custom-made lampshades to suit all your lighting needs. 22 New Derby St., Salem, 978-744-2609, delandelighting.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Lucia Lighting and Design, 311 Western Ave., Lynn, 781-595-0026, lucialighting.com
Lingerie
Finding the perfect lingerie is sometimes a struggle, but fret no longer, ladies, as FRENCH LESSONS in Newburyport is here to save the day! All women will feel comfortable, sexy, and confident in their designer lingerie lines, and we all know every woman goes crazy when they find a good collection of Hanky Pankies! 26 State St., Newburyport, 978-499-0499, frenchlessons-boutique.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Arabella Lingerie, 59A Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, 781-631-1299, arabellalingerie.com
Music Instruction
Boston has Berklee, but budding composers, rock stars, and songwriters can sharpen their skills right here on the North Shore at the WEST NEWBURY SCHOOL OF MUSIC. Whether it’s an instrument (drums, flute, or piano, perhaps?) or the industry (sound recording) you hope to learn, the school boasts state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff who can help make it happen. There’s even a college prep program that’s ideal for the Berklee hopeful. 11 Maple St., West Newbury, 978-363-1579, wnsom.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Marblehead-Salem Schools of Music, 13 Essex St., Marblehead, 781-639-7070, marbleheadmusic.com
Pet Supply
For the loyal companion in your life, nothing is more rewarding then a trip to PAWSITIVELY of Marblehead. With high-quality gourmet treats, healthful pet foods, and attention-getting toys, as well as a large selection of accessories like leashes and collars, not only can you shop for all the necessities here, but your four-legged friend will have a ball with all the goods you’re sure to return home with. 63 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, 781-639-0449
READERS’ CHOICE: Marblehead Pet Supply, 30 Bessom St., Marblehead, 781-631-3500
Rugs
The expansive and pristine showroom at LANDRY & ARCARI in Salem features hand-woven oriental rugs from the U.S. and abroad. A vast variety of designs makes Landry & Arcari, which was founded in 1938, the prime choice for updating your home flooring décor, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t fret. Just ask a staffer about bringing your own rug design to life, making for a one-of-a-kind, can’t-be-beat match. 63 Flint St., Salem, 978-744-5909, landryandarcari.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Landy & Arcari, Salem
Shoes, Men
NORDSTROM at the North Shore Mall in Peabody carries the best selection of high-end, designer formal and casual footwear brands for guys. The store’s selection, from Sperry Top-Siders to Oxfords, combined with its employees’ knowledge of everything from designers to fit to materials and more makes finding the perfect pair of shoes a breeze. There’s also an in-house shoe repair service, allowing guys to get extra mileage out of their most beloved pairs. At the North Shore Mall, 210 Andover St., Peabody, 978-278-7400, shop.nordstrom.com
READERS’ CHOICE: none
Shoes, Women
SOLE AMOUR in Andover is a welcome arrival to the area, filling a void for fashionistas. The shoe-tique is sure to have something to complement every shopper’s style (and price point, according to the owners), from sandals to heels to wedges, in a variety of designer brands. Sole Amour’s extensive shoe collection will get you in the door, but their incredible service and carefully curated inventory is what will keep you coming back for more. 10 Post Office Ave., Andover, 978-409-1541, soleamour.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Sole Amour, Andover
Sporting Goods
AMESBURY SKATE & SPORT shop comprises 4,000 square feet of retail space that’s filled with clothing and gear for hockey, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, football, skateboarders, and more by brands like Wilson, Brine, Diadora, Reebok, Louisville Slugger, and Easton, among others. The store’s friendly staff bear encyclopedic knowledge of its inventory, ensuring that patrons make the best choice in everything from baseball bats to soccer balls for their athletic pursuits. 77 Macy St., 978-388-4544, amesburysport.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Team Jungle, 45 South Main St., Ipswich, 978-356-7722, teamjungle.com
Watches
Since 1948, ROYAL JEWELERS in Andover has been the leading specialty shop for modern and luxury watches on the North Shore. Royal’s exceptional selection of high-end timepieces—brands include Cartier, Corum, David Yurman, Ulysse Nardin, Chopard, Tag Heuer, and many more—is outshone only by its intimate setting and personalized service. 58 Main St., Andover, 978-475-3330, royaljewlers.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Bernard’s Jewlers, 179 Essex St., Salem, 978-745-0638, bernardsjewelers.com
Wine Store
At WINE CONNEXTION in North Andover, patrons are encouraged to sample vintages at the self-serve Tasting Station before taking them home to enjoy with friends and family. Its expertly edited collection of wines from around the globe is all but guaranteed to contain a spot-on option for your needs. 117 Main St., North Andover, 978-965-8000, wineconnextion.com
READERS’ CHOICE: Andover Liquors, 209 North Main St., Andover, 978-470-0500, andoverliquors.com
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