Merrimack Valley Magazine

2021 MVMA Winners – Retail Therapy

by

We are happy to present the winners of the 2021 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards. This spring, the top picks in all categories were chosen by our readers via our online voting platform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and congratulations to all the winners.

Apothecaries / Natural Products – Retail
Red Antler Apothecary
Red Antler Apothecary, located in Lowell’s Mill No. 5, sells ethically created products such as soaps, moisturizers, cleansers and mustache wax. They grow, forage and farm many of their ingredients and clients can bring their own containers — Red Antler’s cream, lotions and cleaners are sold by the ounce.
Mill No. 5
250 Jackson St.
Lowell, Mass.
RedAntlerApothecary.com

Consignment Shops
Chic Consignment
Clients come from all over the Merrimack Valley to visit this Andover consignment shop. They offer a changing selection of fun, trendy and high-end clothes and accessories, with a head-turning selection of handbags.
44 Main St.
Andover, Mass.
ChicConsignment.com

 

Fashion Accessories
Red’s Shoe Barn
With one of the largest selections of shoes in New England, Red’s Shoe Barn is known for providing Merrimack Valley residents the highest quality shoes at a great value and with legendary service.
22 Plaistow Rd.
Plaistow, N.H.
RedsShoeBarn.com

Jewelry — Fine
Nazarian’s
Since opening in 1943, Nazarian’s belief in family and tradition has helped them become one of the top purveyors of diamonds, fine jewelry, watches and giftware in the New England area. Over the years, the business has been operated by four generations of the same family who are eager to help customers create memories and traditions that will last forever.
Andover and Newburyport, Mass.; Salem, N.H.
NazarianDiamonds.com

Men’s Fashion
Giblees Menswear
For over 50 years, Giblees has been providing the finest of menswear and personalized service. Whether your style is casual or formal, customers can find unique merchandise from around the world while browsing one of the largest inventories of men’s designer clothing in New England.
85 Andover St.
Danvers, Mass.
Giblees.com

Women’s Fashion
Opal & Oak Boutique
Haverhill’s Opal & Oak Boutique is a contemporary women’s clothing boutique that offers trendy clothing at reasonable prices. Their bright, warm atmosphere holds items including tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories and more.
50 Washington St.
Haverhill, Mass.
ShopOpalAndOak.com

Stop by next week for the winners of the ‘Play’ category.

 

The 2021 MVMAs are sponsored by:

 

Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union logo

Artisanal Gifts

by

For many shoppers during a normal holiday season, finding the perfect gift can be difficult. The pandemic has made it trickier, especially if you’re looking to support local businesses. For those who aim beyond the big online retailers, here’s a practical buying guide for great gifts made by area producers. Investing in such unique and personalized gifts will put smiles on the faces of your loved ones and show support for Merrimack Valley artisans. These creations have an appeal that goes beyond trends, and will be treasured long after the season has ended.   

 

An out-of-this-world gift.

“The Lonely Astronaut” is a series by New Hampshire-based photographer Karen Jerzyk, exploring contrasting feelings of wonder and isolation. Sparked by her purchase of an authentic vintage high-altitude space suit in 2017, Jerzyk has been traveling the world taking photos of women in the suit. Hive + Forge carries a large selection of 12-by-8 Jerzyk photographs. $20 each.

30 Church Street, Salem, Mass.
250 Jackson Street (Mill No. 5), Lowell, Mass.
HiveAndForge.com

 

Is it time for Christmas yet?

These whimsical pendulum clocks from Acorn Home & Design feature 3D pop out effects with easy-to-maintain quartz pendulum movements. Constructed out of thick laser-cut Baltic birch plywood featuring a variety of animals and motifs, they are perfect for your little one’s room. $54 each.

10 Essex Street, Andover, Mass.
AcornDesignCenter.com

 

Cucina Aurora’s spectacular holiday gift set is perfect for every food lover on your list.

This rich, burgundy box is embellished in gold foil and features two of Cucina Aurora’s best-selling infused olive oils: roasted garlic and rosemary oregano. Each box includes a booklet of recipes to inspire mealtime magic. No need to wrap, this beautiful box makes a perfect gift on its own. Oils are made individually by hand from 100% Italian olive oil with love in their Salem, N.H., location. $39.99 + free shipping.

CucinaAurora.com

 

Herbal, bright, and fragrant — a great kitchen candle!

This Rosemary + Mint reed diffuser from Farm + Sea is perfect for scenting small spaces without an open flame, and requires almost no maintenance. Rattan reeds absorb the oils and diffuse the scent into the air. Use all ten for a maximum scent throw, or just a few at a time for a more subtle smell. Wide selection of scents available. $22 each.

18 Red Spring Road, Andover, Mass.
45 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
MakAndCoAndover.com

 

 

Throw some hometown pride around your home.

These throw pillows from Helen Thomas Simply Smashing are custom-made and make a great decoration or holiday gift. Show some hometown love to those on your list. $68 each.

90 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
ShopHelenThomas.com

 

 

A moment in paradise.

A scientist with a background in chemistry and an abiding appreciation for natural ingredients, Jason McCrea is a man possessed by a single, simple idea — to make the best caramel in the world —nothing less. These black lava sea salt caramels from MAK & CO. are rich and creamy with crystals of Hawaiian black sea salt. Canister, $16; Pillow pack, $6.

18 Red Spring Road, Andover, Mass.
45 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
MakAndCoAndover.com

 

Silver and gold.

Visit Quiet Pleasures Jewelry to find an always changing selection of well-priced classic, contemporary or artistically funky jewelry designs and great gift items, too! These beautiful cuff bracelets from Peter James Jewelry will take you from one end of your day to the other, starting at $100. Whether shopping for others or for yourself, don’t you deserve something fabulous today?

24 Chestnut Street, Andover, Mass.
QuietPleasuresJewelry.com

 

Signs and cityscapes.

The art of Debbie Shirley captures local places you have been — or perhaps wish that you had seen. Shirley’s award-winning acrylic paintings are part of collections and exhibitions worldwide, and can be seen locally at Helen Thomas Simply Smashing in Andover. Nine-by-12 prints are $28 each.

90 Main Street, Andover, Mass.
ShopHelenThomas.com

 

Holiday green.

It’s the season for spicy, warm and comforting soaps as we go full swing into the holidays. These hand-crafted soaps from Red Antler Apothocary are made using Old World recipes and are great for people with common skin irritations, dryness and other issues.  $8.50 each.

30 Church Street, Salem, Mass.
250 Jackson Street (Mill No. 5), Lowell, Mass.
HiveAndForge.com
RedAntlerApothecary.com

2020 MVMA Winners – Retail Therapy

by

We are happy to present the winners of the 2020 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards. This spring, the top picks in all categories were chosen by our readers via our online voting platform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and congratulations to all the winners.

Fashion Accessories
Red’s Shoe Barn
Since 1958, Red’s Shoe Barn has been providing Merrimack Valley residents with the highest quality shoes at a great value and with legendary service. Those qualities are what help Red’s Shoe Barn remain successful today in the era of the impersonal, big-box stores. They have one of the largest selections of shoes in New England, and a wide selection of apparel to boot — no pun intended.
22 Plaistow Rd. | Plaistow, N.H.
RedsShoeBarn.com

Florist
The Flower Mill
Since it opened in 2012, The Flower Mill has provided the Lowell community with a wide variety of custom floral arrangements for all occasions. Owner Joanna Hall is a self-taught designer who studied fine arts in Italy and at Manchester’s New Hampshire Institute of Art. She also makes the store’s 100% soy wax candles. Did you know they offer a weekly flower subscription service?
183 Dutton St. | Lowell, Mass.
LowellFlowerMill.com

Fine Jewelry
Naser Diamonds & Fine Jewelry
As a leading family-owned jeweler in New Hampshire for over two decades, Naser Diamond’s customers have experienced a level of service, craftsmanship and value that is unique in the retail jewelry industry. They offer free warranties, diamond settings, sizing, insurance appraisals, cleanings and maintenance for their customers.
Plaistow and Salem, N.H.
ShopNaser.com

 

Mens Fashion
Shaban’s of Andover
Shaban’s of Andover is a high-end men’s specialty store and is a favorite for one-stop shopping featuring classic modern suits, business casual attire, exciting dress shirts and ties and sharp weekend wear. Shaban’s offers custom tailoring and alterations as well as quality dry cleaning. Owner and custom tailor Shaban Catalbas was inspired by his father from whom he learned his tailoring skills. He has been custom tailoring for over 40 years.
9 Main St. | Andover, Mass.
ShabansOfAndover.com

Womens Fashion
Humanity
Launched in 2008, Humanity sells overlooked and timeless pieces for women who like to live, and lead, in style. As a Lowell boutique, they incorporate the culture and style of the city into this mix and attitude. Owner Ani Vong sees her mission as an expression of personal values: sisterhood, community and lifestyle.
128 Merrimack St. | Lowell, Mass.
HumanityStyle.com

Consignment Shop
Chic Consignment
Clients come from all over the Merrimack Valley to visit this Andover consignment shop. They offer an ever-changing selection of fun, trendy and high-end clothes and accessories, with a head-turning selection of handbags. Make sure to visit the blog on their website for insights into everything from fashion trends to closet organization tips.
44 Main St. | Andover, Mass.
ChicConsignment.com

Apothecaries / Natural Products
Red Antler Apothecary
Red Antler Apothecary is located in Lowell’s Mill No. 5, a repurposed factory on Jackson Street. The apothecary sells soaps, moisturizers, cleansers and even mustache wax — many of the products are made using their own bee hives. Their ethically created, home crafted products include a pine tar soap recipe that is over 100 years old. Environmentally conscious clients can bring their own containers — Red Antler’s cream, lotions and cleaners are sold by the ounce.
Mill No. 5 | 250 Jackson St. | Lowell, Mass.
RedAntlerApothecary.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the ‘Play’ category.

 

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

Holiday Gift Guide – 2019

by

The Museum Shop at the Addison Gallery of American Art

Find the perfect holiday gift at the Museum Shop at the Addison. Offering a diverse selection of one-of-a-kind items inspired by works from our collection, the Museum Shop also features unique and beautiful housewares, ornaments, jewelry, and more by artisans from around the region. Stop by on Museum Store Sunday, December 1, and receive 25% off all merchandise! 

On the campus of Phillips Academy
3 Chapel Ave. / Andover, Mass. / (978) 749-4015 / AddisonGallery.org

CoCo Collection

Treat yourself! This beautifully detailed sweater and wrap by Barcelona brand, Aldomartins are just two of the many standout pieces available at CoCo Collection this holiday season. We love to bring new designers and well-known brands together to appeal to a wide variety of ages and price points. All carefully curated for just the right look. Let our talented stylists help you find everything from the perfect party dress, to a fabulous sweater and jeans at CoCo Collection.

1 Main Street / Andover, Mass. / (978) 470-0632 / ShopCoCoCollection.com
Instagram @cococollectionboutique
Facebook @shopcococollection

Promotional offer ends 12/31/19. Gift cards must be purchased at a Massage Envy franchised location. Promotional cards expire on 3/31/2020 and are subject to restrictions on use. (See promotional card for details)

Massage Envy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – to give the gift of wellness. A Massage Envy gift card might just be the best holiday gift ever because it unwraps the benefits of total body care including massage, total body stretch, rapid tension relief, customizable facials, Microderm infusion and chemical peels. Ask us for details.                                                                                                                                    Give the gift of wellness and help everyone on your list be their very best! 

Methuen – 70 Pleasant Valley St. / (978) 685-1077 / MassageEnvy.com
Billerica – 199 Boston Rd.  / (978) 663-3689
Nashua – 310 Daniel Webster HWY / (603) 598-4400

Merrimack Valley Magazine

Cut Santa some slack this year and give the gift of Merrimack Valley Magazine. Some people are hard to shop for, but everyone likes to know about the best places to eat, the best shows to see and the best places to shop. Merrimack Valley Magazine is a gift that lasts the whole year. It delivers fresh, original stories on local art & music, food & dining, home & garden, design, history, people and more. 

Order gift subscriptions at: MVMag.net/buy-issues

Solace Wellness Center & MedSpa

Give the Gift of Solace! Prepare your skin for the harsh winter months with our HYDRO-DERMAL facial with GLOW® technology. Water powered exfoliation and extraction allows deep penetration of  bio-organic serums and masks to firm and tighten skin and make it GLOW. Until December 31, purchase the HYDRO-DERMAL facial for $95 and receive a free SOLACE Ultimate Moisturizing Cream to keep your skin hydrated this winter. Treat that special person to some “me” time at Solace.  

Bio-Organic Inspired Anti-Aging Skin and Body Care
1201 Main Street / Tewksbury, Mass. / (978) 851-8600 / FoundSolace.com

Spa Nijoli and Salon

Relaxing massages and full service hair, nail and skincare all in one award winning location! When you struggle to choose the right gift for the holidays, consider giving the gift of relaxation from Spa Nijoli & Salon. Celebrating 17 years of excellent service and an impeccable staff of over 65 professionals. Purchase a holiday gift card from Merrimack Valley’s “Best Day Spa.”

116 Pleasant Valley Street / Methuen, Mass. / (978) 682-9772 / Nijoli.com

Red Antler Apothecary

Red Antler Apothecary specializes in Herbalist formulated soaps, body care, scrubs, non-harmful cleaning products and other holistic remedies! Foraged seaweed and juniper berries top a cooling peppermint and evergreen soap that smells as much like the New England winter forest as it does the rocky summer beach. Red Antler Apothecary is your shop for clean, environmentally friendly holiday giving. Choose a beautiful gift box in stores, or a monthly “Suds-scription” for the gift that keeps refreshing!

Mill No. 5 / 250 Jackson Street. / Lowell, Mass. / (978) 656-1366 / RedAntlerApothecary.com

Robert Jason Salon Beauty Bar

Brought to you by the award winning Robert Jason Salon, the Robert Jason Salon Beauty Bar offers you the finest in manicures, pedicures and makeup.  Gift certificates for pampering are always available and make the BEST gift for the holidays! At Robert Jason Salon, we strive in our commitment to deliver you a safe and strictly sanitized space, and our patent-pending ventilation system helps us guarantee a clean and harmless salon environment.

96 Main Street / Andover, Mass. / (978) 470-3103 / RobertJasonSalon.com

Quiet Pleasures Jewelry

Happy Holidays to our customers, old and new! Without you, we would not be here and we thank you for your business. Visit Quiet Pleasures Jewelry to find an always changing selection of well-priced classic, contemporary or artistically funky jewelry designs and great gift items, too! These beautiful cuff bracelets will take you from one end of your day to the other. Whether shopping for others or for yourself, don’t you deserve something fabulous today? 

24 Chestnut Street / Andover, Mass. / (978) 474-0390 / QuietPleasuresJewelry.com

MVM Cookbook

For more than a decade, Merrimack Valley Magazine has been the region’s premiere source of information about regional food, dining and drink, plus the people who live, work, play and make our area great. Along the way we’ve curated a great collection of personal recipes the region’s top chefs. We are publishing our first-ever cookbook featuring the very best of these recipes. The MVM Cookbook – First Edition is a great addition to your recipe library, and it makes a great gift!

Pre-order copies at: MVMag.net/cookbook

Restaurant Gift Cards

Give the gift of a great meal this holiday season by buying gift cards from the Merrimack Valley’s best restaurants! A night on the town is always a welcome gift and mvm’s restaurant partners won’t disappoint. Check out participating restaurants in our dining guide or on MVMag.net/dining

  • Angelina’s Italian Restaurant
  • Buono Bistro
  • Burtons Grill & Bar
  • Butcher Boy
  • Cafe Azteca
  • Capri Seaside Italian Grille
  • Chowder Factory
  • Cobblestones Restaurant & Bar
  • Copper Door
  • Dream Diner
  • Grazie Italian Restaurant at Four Oaks Country Club
  • Horseshoe Grille
  • Jocelyn’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
  • Lowell Burger Company
  • Moonstones
  • Orzo Trattoria
  • Phoenician Restaurant
  • Sand Trap Bar & Grill at Merrimack Valley Golf Club
  • Seaglass Restaurant
  • Seoul Kitchen
  • Tuscan Kitchen

 

Who We Are

mvm is the region’s premier source of information about regional arts, culture and entertainment; food, dining and drink; community happenings, history and the people who live, work, play and make our area great.

© Copyright 2021 Merrimack Valley Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.