12 October 18 - 31, 2008
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
Shopping from Page 1
and director of Local First Arizona. “We are a nonprofi t do the designs themselves, and enjoy working with
organization that works to educate consumers about buyers to produce custom pieces. Items include
the signifi cant economic, cultural and environmental everything from multicolor vases to the “Roly Poly,” a
benefi ts of supporting locally owned businesses.” weeble-style cup with a curved base that Sciacca calls
Her coalition, the largest of its kind in the nation, “di Sciacca’s signature funware.”
offers a searchable database with more than 1,400 ”We started by designing glasses for restaurant
businesses that are owned and operated by Arizona promotions, like if you bought a Frangelico specialty
residents. It includes restaurants, shops, service drink, you got to keep the mug,” says Sciacca, noting
providers and locally owned chains such as Harkins, that his glasses can be found in more than 3,000
Bashas’ and Shamrock. restaurant locations. “We got lots of requests to buy
“Choosing local businesses is so important to similar items directly, so we opened a retail store.”
economic health,” says Lanning. “When you shop Sciacca also gives every restaurant in downtown
locally owned businesses, your money is recirculated Chandler the opportunity to have him design and
over and over and creates up to 75 percent more tax produce its own signature glass.
revenue to our community and state. “Most small places couldn’t afford to have their
This means that every dollar spent in Chandler own custom pieces done,” Sciacca says. “But the
STSN photo
translates directly into increased funds for City restaurants here are our neighbors, and we’re glad to
SHOP LOCAL: Joanne Stevens, owner of Enchantments Home and
Baby boutique in Southern Chandler, shops locally for items in her
services and more employment opportunities in the do this for them.”
store.
SanTan Sun area.” Custom glassware can be seen in Urban Tea Loft,
SanTan Brewing Co., and others. live in the Chandler area. Stevens notes that this
In for long haul “up-close and personal” approach also means better
“Local business owners have a vested interest in Area owners shop local customer service.
the long-term prosperity, quality and health of the Working with fellow small businesses is also “Customers deal with me personally, not just some
community,” explains Peter Sciacca, owner of di important to Joanne Stevens, owner of Enchantments voice over the phone,” she says. “If you’re looking to
Sciacca, downtown Chandler’s hand-blown glassware Home and Baby, a Promenade at Fulton Ranch change your décor, I can send a designer out to your
retail store. “We’re here for the long haul.” boutique. Her store offers an eclectic mix of home house for a consultation. We’ll work with you to come
Initially, Sciacca was offered a lease on the former décor, giftware, toys, jewelry, baby items and even up with something that’s exactly what you want.
Rowena Theater, built by Dr. A.J. Chandler in 1920. designer chocolates. She offers products in all price You’ve got the owner right here, listening to your
Instead, he bought the building outright, then points, ranging from high-end, custom-designed needs. You won’t get that from a big chain.”
renovated it to meet his needs. The store now includes furniture to items priced under $10. Buying from the national chains instead of
retail display space, offi ces and a basement storage “When I need something, I start local,” says Stevens. patronizing local independents has economic
and design facility he refers to as “the dungeon.” “I carry lots of items made by area moms and seniors. disadvantages, too.
“My wife, Sigrid, and I saw this place and knew it We have our own in-house fl oral designer, and we “For every two jobs national retailers bring to a
was for us,” Sciacca says of the renovated theatre. use a manufacturer in Tempe for our custom-made community, three jobs are lost as a result of local
“There is so much history in Chandler and we are furniture.” businesses closing down,” Lanning explains.
honored that we are a part of the community.” Enchantments Home and Baby stocks dozens of Unlike the big conglomerates, local businesses
Sciacca’s store offers an extensive selection of aprons, 20 rocking chairs, hair bows, hats, blankets
glasses, housewares and art glass. He and his wife and other items designed and made by vendors who See Shopping Page 13
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76