story by: karen swift jones photography by: wagoner photography inc. and alex morse Party While You Shop In true form to east Aurora’s passion for parties, a festive phenomenon has developed in town—event shopping! one would think the unique boutiques in the area would be enough to satisfy any customer’s needs, but our multitasking personalities enjoy being wined, dined and entertained while we spend our money. Shoe parties, wine tastings, and art auctions are penned into the date books of social loving locals. Each of the following original entrepreneurs pours personality and passion into their customers’ shopping experience; and they take special pride in offering extraordinary customer service. Kick Up Your Heels Peek into the windows at shoe Biz on a weekday evening, and you’ll see a few dozen women in pure ecstasy. The sign on the door reads “Closed for Private Party.” And, the view from the window reveals women of all ages drinking wine and perusing the boutique’s full palette of pumps and bow-tied ballerina flats, flirty scarves and beaded handbags. this local marvel is one of owner Meredith Pafk’s fervently popular shoe parties. Gorgeous jazz music plays in the art deco style store as women gather to shop, chat and hang out. Shoe Biz hosts three parties per week and the word has spread so extensively about their success, that they have booked parties for the next ten months. some of the hostesses are from east Aurora, while others come from all over Western New York. Many guests return for multiple parties each year, stocking up on the constantly updated shoe, accessory and gift lines. “Girls are always looking for ways to get out and have fun together,” says Meredith. “that’s why they often have things like tupperware parties. But, the benefit here is that we provide the wine and snacks and you don’t have to clean your house!” The friendly, unobtrusive staff welcomes guests to browse and is at the ready when you want to try on shoes. There’s no pressure to buy and no consultant dragging you through a long sales pitch. The delightful dynamics that occur between friends while they are doing something they love is what draws people back again and again. Shoppers can be heard saying, “I love those shoes on you!” and “What a cute bag! totally adorable!” They accessorize each other and give each other fashion tips, while catching up on the latest scoop. The kaleidoscope of colors, textures and styles and the kitschy functional décor, give shoe Biz a playful party setting. Hat hooks are fashioned out of cobblers’ shoes. Purse-shaped lamps with zebra stripes or leopard prints cast a pleasant glow over the room. And, handshaped sculptures sparkle with crystal bracelets and pendants. Each design piece has a purpose and maximizes the use of the store’s intimate space, creating room for an amazing amount of selection. Meredith has an unorthodox way of merchandising and displaying her selections by color because her customers request it. she travels to shows in New York City and Las vegas to seek hip products that can’t be found in the Buffalo area. “Like my customers, I love to shop,” says Meredith, “and I found a way to do it for a living.” Swing at a Soirée Uncover the unexpected at West End Gallery’s annual Theme Exhibit Opening, where up to 50 acclaimed artists create and auction-off fascinating interpretations of the same functional piece. Michele Conley vogel, resident artist and owner of the gallery, welcomes over 1,000 of her loyal clients to celebrate a night of art and music at this elegant, outdoor gala each fall. The exhibit features theme pieces such as folding chairs or wooden boxes. the gallery provides the piece to the artists, who hail from east Aurora and beyond, and they create whatever they want with it, resulting in a wild and whimsical array of art. Guests are invited to bid on the artwork, while they are treated to live music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. As the night goes on, local art lovers get caught up in the revelry and the parking lot transforms into a star-lit dance floor. Like the fanciful selection of glass, pottery, paintings, prints and jewelry in the gallery, Michele’s events reflect an artist’s devoted touch. At the glitz and glitter Holiday trolley tour, area shoppers are treated to a winter wonderland of sparkling sidewalks lined with flickering candles along the route. At her frequent Chamber of Commerce mixers, she motivates local business owners to find their own artistic muse by having them decorate an item in a way that represents their business. Local orthodontist, Dr. Heather Buccieri, was inspired to transform a wine glass into an amusing monkey face beaming with braces. Michele’s vigilant commitment to quality and variety is reflected in the gallery’s products, which are noted for being original, fun and funky; as well as, elegant and ethereal. “I look for items that are really cool that I haven’t had before,” says Michele. “We get items in and then I never repeat them. The majority of them are things that customers can’t find anywhere else around here.” Explore the Exotic Venture to the far east without ever leaving town! PiNk - Eclectic Home décor surrounds their customers in a sensuous adventure of discovery. Uupon entering the store, visitors feel tempted to search every nook and cranny, where surprises pop up in unanticipated ways: camel bone inlays on cabinets, wine glasses etched with “Fun” and “Sing,” oversized mirrors framed with tribal carved wood…. The intoxicating aroma of herbal teas and musky, scented candles lingers as customers browse the multitude of hand-made, hardwood furniture and accessories. On thursday evenings, owners Katie Crook and Nancy Montone invite customers to enjoy live music and wine as they mingle with neighbors and friends through the store’s ample selection, which extends downstairs as well. Nancy’s husband, Rob, plays original acoustic guitar songs— complimenting the cool furniture with cool music. Rob enjoys the contrast of performing his music at PiNk to the corporate environment of his full-time sales job. He is an ideal example of the creative spirit that flows through many of East Aurora’s citizens—people who wear traditional hats by day and pursue artistic endeavors in their free time. A few times each year, PiNk hosts a street party in front of the store with rob’s band, Part three, performing rock and blues for guests and people passing by. The gathering crowd is treated to wine and cheese, while they browse through new products, which are continuously being turned over. “Doing business in our hometown is like a big party,” says Katie. Both owners were born and raised here and they wanted to be a part of the exciting and new things taking form on Main street. “Opening a store in East Aurora met our needs for a highly integrated lifestyle,” says Nancy. “We are able to be close to home and family, while enjoying our business.” Katie and Nancy travel to india annually and handpick each and every piece that is sold in the store. They watch the furniture makers build the remarkable armoires, tables and chairs from solid teak, rosewood, babul and mango woods. if an item looks like something another business here might provide, or if it looks too perfect, they don’t buy it. They prefer the character and human touch of an original handicraft. “One of our design points when we opened the store was to provide the customer with an exceptional shopping experience that was different from other stores,” says Nancy. “We wanted to make PiNk cool, fun and affordable.” Savor a Syrah Welcome to Wine tasting 101! Aurora Liquors owners, Dwight and Rosemary Krieger, pair up with the roycroft inn to offer an unpretentious taste of the world of wines through East Aurora’s Continuing education classes. Their 17 years of experience in the business has inspired them to reach out to curious wine lovers—both the novice and the knowledgeable—and provide an engaging exploration of major wine-producing regions and the glories of entertaining with wine. Many times each year, they also draw hundreds of people to their store to celebrate at wine tasting events. They feature 10–12 stations of various whites, reds, sparkling and dessert wines; in addition to light appetizers provided by rosemary. Local musicians, such as pianist Bob sowyrda, enhance the enticing ambience, while guests meander through the impressive selection of wines. More than 60 wines are represented and guests have the added benefit of receiving substantial discounts on purchases made during the tasting. “Any shopping experience that you can turn into a fun event to enjoy with friends makes shopping for wines all the better,” says Dwight. “it’s a great way to try wines that you may not otherwise take a chance on.” Rosemary also provides an attractive gift packaging service, utilizing unconventional pieces, such as floral hatboxes, which she finds in local gift shops. Spark Your Imagination Stroll through east Aurora and enjoy a wonderland of windowshopping. The delightfully appointed store windows are entertainment in and of themselves—particularly during the month of May, when the toy Loft holds its annual Lego contest. Children are invited to enter the annual contest, which centers on a different theme each year, like Lego-robotics, Lego-mobile and Lego-licious. In keeping with the store’s mission to stimulate creative play, mother-daughter owners, Vivian and Linda Coletti, encourage unusual and innovative variations on the theme. “We like for the contestants to think out-of-the-box and create something imaginative,” says Linda. In the charming storefront window throughout the month of May. Local business owners and residents serve as judges, and the finalists in each age group are awarded Lego prizes. “The contestants are proud of showing their creations on Main Street where all their friends and neighbors can view them,” says Linda. Contestants submit Lego models, which are artfully displayed in the charming storefront window throughout the month of May. Local business owners and residents serve as judges, and the finalists in each age group are awarded Lego prizes. “The contestants are proud of showing their creations on Main Street where all their friends and neighbors can view them,” says Linda. The contest represents the toy Loft’s desire to offer highquality products that challenge children’s minds and inspire imaginative play. The dreamy Madame Alexander dolls, brilliant Brio train collectibles, frilly dress-up clothes and old-fashioned radio flyer wagons are some of the popular choices in their ever-changing stock. Young customers especially appreciate the hands-on play area in the store, which keeps them entertained while their parents browse. The Coletti’s also take special orders and offer personal shopping services. Many a mom has been known to call the store in a panic as they phone in an order for a last-minute birthday present, which is then beautifully wrapped (for free) and delivered, if necessary. “I’ve been known to meet people at the curb with their package, as they race off to a party,” says Linda. “that’s the benefit of doing business in a small town.” Party On Above is only a sample of the various shopping activities east Aurora has to offer. the insatiable shopper can further enjoy sidewalk sales, anniversary events, customer appreciation breakfasts, gifts from santa, and more. our merchants have invested in our community in a multitude of ways and will continue to go the extra mile to serve their customers with style and flair. Karen Swift Jones is a freelance writer, living and working in East Aurora. Formerly from the north towns, Karen used to think that East Aurora was in the middle of nowhere, but now feels it’s the center of everything good in her life. She and her husband and two young children truly believe “It’s a Wonderful Life” here. The Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 431 Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14052-1783 (716) 652-8444 (Fax) 652-8384 Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. E-mail: Designed By: AURORA Consulting Group Inc.