Recently in Stores Category
What's the deal?In their most recent issue, Soapbox Media released some long awaited news for downtown residents hungry for another grocery option (oh the puns!). Avril Bleh, the 114 year-old Court St. butcher, will be expanding into the adjacent building to carry, according to the owner, "dairy products, eggs, produce, bread, dry goods and other staples." The big day is anticpated to be soon, May 13, for the restored space to be unveiled. Downtowners, residents and workers, your new grocery awaits.
Where to get it?
35 E. Court St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Photo Credit: Soapbox Media - Scott Beseler
This Saturday independent record stores across the states are throwing a party for themselves, and you're invited. Record Store Day is a day to celebrate the invaluable role of the mom & pop record store to any city's local music scene: local bands are able to find shelf space, music enthusiasts are able to track down that long lost import album with their help, and we all know big box and vinyl don't mix. They are one of the main arteries that keeps music pumping through our hearts.
It's never been easy though.
Smaller budgets and less shelf space mean that indie record stores have to be more selective in what they carry in-store, less buying power means generally higher prices for the end customer, and the advent of EBay and Amazon coupled with lower general CD sales has been a strong blow to the industry.
That's why it's more important than ever to support your local record store. Hit the jump to find out where you can head locally this Saturday to pick up a new (or old) album, along with some great deals coinciding with Record Store Day.
The world of biking seems daunting to many who've only enjoyed its more recreational side, but Cincinnati's Campus Cyclery has something for any kind of customer. Right off of UC's campus, Campus Cyclery has a selection of 200+ bikes and a knowledgeable staff that will help you with any of your biking needs. "We have a full range of bikers here: commuters to racers," Glenn Wolf, owner of 25 years says. Campus Cyclery has been in business for 35 years, always at its Clifton Heights location.
A quick perusal of Linden Noll seems almost obligatory with any trip to MainStrasse. Hidden between Wertheim's and this neighborhood's many specialty shops is one of the best collections of old world crafts and gifts in the area. Owner and operator, Dolores Carpenter, said "I always thought there should be a shop with this here." We're sure you'll agree if you stop by this shop for a one of a kind gift or book.
Duttenhofer's Books has been a staple of Clifton Heights for 33 years, though it's hard to believe it's only been that long. As soon as you walk into the door, vast and imposing shelves of aging texts confront you. They command respect, and for a moment, you might think you've entered a wonderful museum that lets you flip through every exhibit. Turning to the left, you'll find Russell Speidel, owner and operator of 22 years, happily perched behind a counter containing such oddities as a phrenology-diagramed head. He is happily at home amongst the many texts, "We have about 40,000 books in the store, give or take 4 to 5,000." There are no new books, which allows anyone to walk in and do some good old-fashioned impulse buying. "We don't carry textbooks," Russell told me. "We just want to provide good, quality books." This you'll find plenty of; Duttenhofer's has two floors filled with books on Literature, History, Biography, Art, Architecture, and some fun pop culture inspired items.
Tucked away on an unassuming corner near Dana Ave in Evanston lies an unassuming red brick building with an unassuming green door. Inside the old warehouse, though, lies Ohio's first microdistillery and one of Cincinnati's few urban wineries. Woodstone Creek has been at this Evanston location for the past 6 years in Evanston (and 3 years before that in Lebanon), creating local, national and internationally-awarded wines, meads and even a locally-produced vodka.
OTR and Findlay Market have a new wine store. Market Wines, an independant wine shop, opens up on March 29 across from the main Market building. Owner Michael Maxwell plans on offering wines designed to compliment the market's main attraction, fresh, high-quality food. Organic, kosher and "biodynamic" wines will sit beside conventional grapes, and the shop also plans to offer micro-brews, imported beers and wine accessories so you have everything you need to get your drink on.
The only bad part in our opinion is no Sunday hours (we love spending Sunday mornings at Findlay), but weekday and Saturday hours are represented - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am - 5pm, Friday from 9am - 6pm and Saturday from 8am to 6pm.
Perfect for?
Findlay Market foodies, Paul Giamatti's character in Sideways.
Where to get it?
Findlay Market
128 W. Elder St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Friends' of the Public Library Gift Shop is, as manager Martha Totten puts it, a secret she doesn't want to keep, and after investigating, we here at BuyCincy are happy to spread the word about it. Located in the main public library on Vine Street, this delightful little shop has been selling very low priced gently used books for 25 years. Aside from books, however, the shop can be seen as somewhat of a creative literary theme park, selling literary games and dolls, and just about any book-reading accessory you could ever need (booklights, bookmarks, book totes...need I list more?)
BJ Foreman's great-grandfather was a jeweler to the Czar of Russia. When he moved to America he taught his son Boris how to make jewelry and together, in 1913, they founded The Litwin Company. Although the company is now known as Boris Litwin Jewelers, the Cincinnati business has since been handed down four generations of the family line, and they still continue to sell unique and quality custom jewelry. As if their history and their hand crafted Cincinnati charms weren't enough to prove that this business is rooted in Cincinnati pride, former Cincinnati Post art critic and current owner, BJ Foreman has now expanded Litwin's repertoire to include the works of artist Diana Duncan Holmes. Holmes reworks digital snapshots of Cincinnati ranging from the famous to the less seen treasures (take for instance the back of 8th Street buildings.) The photos are then layered on wallpaper leaving an antiqued touch with just a hint of the wallpaper patterns showing through.
If you're looking for quality that lasts this Valentine's season stop here because I've found it. Just ask my mom, for instance, who still raves about the service she received at Faigle Jewelers twenty-nine years ago. Opened three generations ago in 1946, Joseph Faigle and Sons Jewelers is still owned and operated by family. Faigle offers a large selection of jewelry ranging from the classic to the abstract, and although they do a ton of ready to purchase jewelry, at least 50% of what they offer is handmade custom work. 
Yesterday the Gateway Quarter welcomed yet another store to its confines, the home furnishings and accessories store A Lucky Step. The grand opening celebration was as unique as you will see for a retail store. Sure, on the inside the usual combination of browsing customers and catered hors d'evours set the stage. However, outside the store, the Federation of Black Cowboys shook things up by trotting around OTR and giving horseback rides around the adjacent parking lot.
Unfortunately, we didn't get a shot of the cowboys (at the time we were taking a "backstage" tour of the Gateway Quarter condos with a small army of Cincinnati bloggers), but we did come back to give you a quick view of what to expect inside A Lucky Step.
What's the deal?
You always seem to end up going to "insert generic Italian restaurant here" with and giving "insert requisite store-bought chocolates and grocery store flowers here" to your significant other on Valentine's Day, each year's festivities coalescing into the previous year's, never taking the plunge for that one-of-a-kind experience Cupid's been begging for. This year, skip dinner and head straight to dessert at Marble Hill Chocolatier in the beautiful O'Bryonville shopping district.
Overwhelmed by shopping for jewelry? This Valentine's Day, instead of taking a shot in the dark at what that special someone wants, try things the Paolo way. Men, all you have to do is pick out a loose gemstone, diamond, or unstrung strand of pearls, and then let the Paolo jewelry design certificate do the rest. Paolo will wrap the chosen gift along with the design certificate, and after the gift has been presented they will set up a date for you and your loved-one to come in and create a beautiful piece of jewelry...exactly how she wants it!
The only thing better than a showroom full of snazzy furniture is a showroom full of snazzy furniture you might actually be able to afford. Well, maybe one thing is even better than that - free beer and wine at such a place. So, yeah, we had a good time at the Joseph Williams Home preview party last Friday. The atmosphere was great, the DJ kickin' and the couches, well, comfortable. We can't wait to go back.
I have the misfourtune of reporting my second set of bad news in a week. Visconti & Lechler Pharmacy in College Hill has closed after 42 years in business. After decades of chasing chain pharmacies out of College Hill the competition from chain stores in other communities just got to be too much. Visconti & Lechler has been an institution in College Hill for decades and was still run by Ralph Visconti Jr., the son of the founder.
What's the deal?
Looking for high quality textiles and beads? Look no further than Cincinnat's own world renowned, St. Theresa Textile Trove. Founded in 1994 by two sisters (Terrie and Becky) in Over the Rhine, St Theresa is own and operated only by women who are all highly knowledgable in and passionate about quilting, sewing and beads. St. Theresa offers a wide selection of fabrics, the owners say, the chain stores are "too scared to carry" including fabrics from Japan, India, France and Guatamala, and an international selection of tride and true beads with a large selection of African beads.
::Embrace Sweets
Edit: This is why we love our readers. Maya brought to our attention that this Friday IS Final Friday, so after this weekend's preview party, it should start normal operating hours soon!
Party planning is no easy feat, especially when the party is a wedding reception. Want to mark one task off of your growing check list? Joyce's Tasty Cakes, located in Hamilton, has your dessert table covered.
Offering a range of cookies, candies, and cakes as varied as the people who order them, Joyce's is your sweets solution. Want your daughter's birthday celebration to include a castle shaped cake, complete with towering spires and edible greenery? Joyce's can handle it. Need a Christmas present for a finicky friend? Joyce's Tasty Cakes can confect a myriad of items for them.
BuyCincy.com is sad to report that it appears that Johnny's toys in Greenhills has closed its doors forever. The location in Covington remains open. So please continue to visit them there. For directions visit www.johnnystoys.com.
Johnny's toys has been a very important part of the lives of many children in Cincinnati and it will be missed.
Please visit the forum at buycincy.com to share your favorite Johnny's memories and to discuss what it's closing means to you.
It was a sad sad day when Corryville's Buzz coffeeshop closed its doors in January of 2004. The comfy couches and hot coffee downstairs combined with a surprising used CD collection upstairs made it the quintessential college-area coffeehouse. However, good news is in store. Almost exactly four years after Buzz closed its doors for good, a new coffeehouse is set to open up in the same space, TAZA. The not-for-profit coffeehouse hopes not only to become the type of college hangout Corryville has been missing since Buzz left, but also become a positive force in the neighborhood and beyond.
Our coffee sales will enable us to make community happen inside the walls of TAZA and impact our community outside the walls of TAZA. Inside our walls TAZA is a home away from home - a place to meet up with old friends and make new ones. Outside our walls we will use our resources to support organizations that are positively impacting our local and global community.
You may not know it, but locally owned and operated ICB Audio & Video has been operating for over 30 years right in the center of Cincinnati. With countless professional installations under their belt, Cincinnatians have ICB to thank for making our town more enjoyable to look at and listen to.
For example, if you've ever attended Party in the Park down on the river, ICB handled the sound system installation for P&G Pavilion. Or, if you've strolled through the doors of the theater-turned-church, Eastside in Milford, a top-notch audio and visual experience is delivered, courtesy of ICB. However, one of their most recent and largest undertakings was revamping the heart of downtown: Fountain Square.
What's the deal?
Don't be fooled by the ".com" name, the toys that live up to the company's name can only be found in their brick and mortar location in Milford. Sure, you can pick up airboats and hovercrafts on the store's website, but you have to visit the store for brain-teasing puzzles, racing solar-powered toy cars, spinning miniature globes powered by artificial light, and half a wall of yo-yos. "For the young and the young at heart" has been cliched into the ground, but I can think of no better phrase to describe Coolest Toys. The crowd was young and old and everything in between, and everyone had the same goofy grin as they geeked out on one thing or another.
"Everybody loves Johnny's Toys!" Oh the song still rings so lovely in my ears. When I was a kid Johnny's toys was it for me. There were many days that I wished I lived in Greenhills just so I could be within walking distance of Johnny's.
Johnny's toys is Cincinnati's only locally owned toy store chain, and what a store it is. Johnny's is a hobbyist's mecca. Train, model car, and rocket enthusiasts will find everything they are looking for at Johnny's. They also have a great bike shop. Johnny's has a fantastic toy selection as well, you are sure to find all the gifts you are looking for for the young or young at heart on your Christmas list.
You can visit Johnny's at two locations, in the Greenhills shopping center, or in Covington on Howard Litzler and Baron Drive. For Directions visit the website: www.johnnystoys.com
While on-line be sure to sign your children up for Johnny's Birthday club. Each year for their birthday your child will be given a key to the Johnny's Castle, were they can pick one free gift. Also check out Totter's Otterville Educational Entertainment Center. It's a great place for birthday parties and events.
So this Christmas skip Walmart and head to Johnny's Toys.
What's the Deal?
Wanna get framed? FrameWorks on Kenwood Road in Blue Ash is the place to be. Operating since 1977, FrameWorks is the place to go to for high quality framing that compliments, not overwhelms, the item being presented. FrameWorks has a wide variety of high quality frames and framing materials including Italian made frames made of exotic woods with beautifully crafted inlaid marquetry designs, as well as great new glass products that help prevent fading while canceling annoying reflections using a special optical coating similar to that used on eyeglasses.
Perfect For:
Photographs, needlework, collectibles, heirlooms, and of course works of art.
Where to find them?
9654 Kenwood Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45242
513-791-1911
Visit them on the Web at www.frameworkscincinnati.com
When it comes to holiday gifts for friends and family, its hard to go wrong with wine. But the question becomes, which wine to choose? For non-oenophiles like the crew here at BuyCincy, it helps when you can give a price, maybe a type of wine, and let wine experts pick out the vino that will leave giftees impressed.
So it was when I stopped in City Cellars this past Tuesday as I was getting ready to leave town for Thanksgiving. I gave the gang and City Cellars a price range (pretty cheap) and a type (Riesling) and I had a great wine ready in about a minute. Unlike stopping in the grocery store, I was in and out of the store in under 5 minutes with a great bottle of wine. And, not only were those extra minutes put to good use packing my gear, the wine was a big hit.
City Cellars
908 Race St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
See Also: Piazza Discepoli
What's the Deal?
As the seasons change so does our attention from the outside of our homes to the interiors. If the prospect of spending another long Cincinnati winter trapped in the confines of your four walls has you planning to do some remodeling, you may want to check out American Heritage flooring. American Heritage specializes in high-end flooring ranging from carpets, laminates, hardwoods (bamboo, cork), and tiles (ceramic, marble, etc). American Heritage even offers decorative stair risers, something you can only find here and would fit the class and elegance of many older homes, especially in OTR. Come on in and take a look at their project books (the bamboo floors are amazing).
Perfect for:
American Heritage is perfect for people who are looking to class up their homes but not necessarily do the work themselves.
What they offer that the big boxes don't:
In addition to high quality products that you can't find at Home Depot, service is key. American Heritage will handle every aspect of your project, including installation from their own, professional staff. American Heritage is family owned by the Norris family (Ramon, Regina, and Randy), and they take real pride in the work their company does. Ramone or Randy will frequently come out to inspect the final product. They are committed to quality from start to finish.
What will it cost:
For hardsurface flooring (ceramic tile, bamboo, etc) it will cost $10 to $11 per square foot, installed. Carpets also range in price.
Where to find it:
American Heritage can be found at 5854 Hamilton Ave. in College Hill (diagonal from Piazza Discepoli wines). Open Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturdays from 10-5.
BuyCincy is excited to annouce a new column highlighting Cincinnati small businesses that have been serving the city for over 75 years: Old School Cincinnati. To kick off this new feature, we head to the current king of Old School Cincinnati, Bromwell's, the city's oldest business.
What's the deal?
Bromwell's recently finished with a complete renovation of their 4th St. space, completing a modern transformation of a company that has been in business since 1819. You owe it to yourself to stop in the showroom and stand, jaw agape, at the 14 foot back wall made entirely of wood logs. When you are able to close your mouth and move on, it is quite a show. Not only is the restored building itself a sight to see, but the fireplaces - oh, the fireplaces, so many fireplaces (some of which are exclusive in Ohio and Kentucky to Bromwell's - such as London-based Chesney). So, we thought a few examples of some of the coolest products in the store was in order.
What's the deal?
Stained glass. And lots of it. Not necessarily the grand works you find in churches (although they do work with restoration of those), but the type of glass that works as classy art in your home. GlassWorks in Norwood is the convergence of Stan Sabick's Beveler's Glass Studio and MaryJane Riggi's award-winning Tiffany Art Glass Gallery. Not only do they do some sweet decorative glass work such as panels (the steamboat/Roebling bridge glass above is quite cool), lamps and jewelry, but also do stained glass restoration and sell supplies for DIY stained glass enthusiasts.
Perfect for?
Homeowners with huge old homes. Think Gaslight District, Wallace Woods, Newport and Northside.
Where to get it?
2501 Norwood Ave in Norwood, 45212.
How much will it cost?
Usually, the works range anywhere from $75-$2000, with most items in the $150-$400 range. However, this weekend (November 3-4), GlassWorks is having a sale where you can get 30% off most of the products in store. In addition, 5% of all sales from the sale are being donated to HART, a dog and cat rescue operation.
What's the deal?
For guys, it can be difficult to find a good, stylish pair of jeans. When you want a little better than Gap can give you, but don't want to pay three figures, you might find yourself searching for a while. That's why we're always glad to stop in Mustard Seed Boutique. Mustard Seed has some of the coolest consignment and vintage threads for men and women with a price point all the UC students can dig.
Where to find it?
No longer in the Ludlow Garage, Mustard Seed has stayed on Ludlow, but moved across the street. 311 Ludlow Ave, 45220.
How much will it cost?
Much less than the designer stores the clothes came from. Expect to pay between $25-$55 for men's jeans and $20-$40 for mens's shirts. The women's selection is priced similarly, however with the larger women's selection (guys always get the shaft), you can sometimes find an even better deal.
What's the Deal?
Looking for a great wine? Whether you are entertaining friends at a dinner party, giving a gift, or just want to relax at the end of a hard day, Piazza Discepoli wine merchants has the wine for you. Purveyors of fine wines and foods since 1989, the staff at Piazza Discepoli will make you look like a seasoned connoisseur. We frequent the College Hill store, where Guy Discepoli is always available with a great selection and helpful guidance. Tell Guy what you are having for dinner, if you like your wines sweet or dry, and a price, and he will find you a perfect paring. Even better, he will never try to sell you over your price range. They are committed to giving you the best wine for what you want to spend. Piazza Discepoli also offers frequent wine tastings, a wine of the month club, and an on-line store.
Where do I find them?
You can find them at four great locations throughout Greater Cincinnati. The original store in College Hill at 5901 Hamilton Ave, Glendale at 23 Village Square, Madeira 7754 Camargo Rd, and White Oak 5872 Cheviot Rd.
What does it cost?
Prices range from $9.99 to, well, something for someone with very expensive taste, but you can find a great wine at any price.
Check them out on the Web at: www.piazzadiscepoli.com
Along with LaRosa's and Skyline, Graeter's is in the holy trinity of Cincinnati foods. So, naturally when a snazzy-looking new Graeter's opened up in Newport, we had to check it out... you know, for research purposes or something. The ice cream, of course, was top notch as alway - Oprah would be proud. But the real gem is the building itself. Graeter's beautifully restored the 138 year old building at Monmouth and Fourth to make the ice cream chain fit in with the historical character of the neighborhood (something that can't be said for many projects in Newport.) The result is something that feels like an ice cream parlor should. From the intricately detailed woodwork on the doorways to the restored tin ceiling, the Newport location makes getting an ice cream cone seem like an experience.
If you are in a rush, they do have a walk-up window, but we highly recommend against it. Sit down, grab some Black Raspberry Chip and soak in one of the world's best ice creams in the world in a place that finally does it justice.
What's the deal?
Provident Camera might look from the outside like a remnant of the 35mm age, but once you step inside that impression quickly fades. From the sleekest new digital cameras to studio-style gear for your next big shoot (not to mention technology such as online printing and photo restoration), this place leaves the selection at Best Buy in its dust. And, unlike some of those big box electronics stores, these guys actually know what they are talking about.
Where to find it?
Located in downtown Cincinnati for 75+ years, Provident is located on 7th between Race and Vine at 18 W. 7th St. Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat:10am-5pm.
How much will it cost?
From a couple bucks for a roll of film to a couple thousand for a top of the line camera, it all depends on what you are looking for. The only surefire way to check (and see if they might have a deal on preowned equiptment) is to stop in.
::Map