Small Business Saturday Deals Around Fairlawn & Bath

Shop local today to support small businesses in the area.

Shop Locally in Fairlawn & Bath on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24

Start your holiday shopping at locally owned stores during Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Brecksville. Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities. Check out the Small Business Saturday website or our business …

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Cupcake Castle Makes Decorating A Royal Affair

The bakery is on Merz Boulevard in the former Regency Wine store.

*Originally published May 2012. When you hear the word "cupcake," a smile comes to your face right? Right? That's Cupcake Castle owner Jean Covel's mission: to bring  smiles not only to children's faces, but to the whole family. Stepping into the bakery, which will tentatively open on June 20, is like stepping into a castle. The walls are painted to look like stones, there's a huge wooden door and dainty tables and chairs. Covel, who is the main chef, will bake gourmet cupcakes every day, and will also feature plain devil's food and white cupcakes for purchase. Parents can bring their children in at any time and put them to work decorating to their heart's content. Covel also accepts party reservations. "I've always loved to bake," Covel …

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'A Bit of Luck, Whole Lot of Insanity' Flicker in Lit Wick Candles

The Merchant Square store sells a variety of candles, gifts and more.

*Note: Story originally published June 2012. Lit Wick Gallery owner J.M. Tkalec says creating new fragrances takes "a little bit of science, a bit of good luck, a bit of good timing and a whole lot of insanity." But one thing is for sure: all this candles are made with love. Tkalec, better known as the Candleman, started the candle company 10 years ago in Stow and recently made the move to Fairlawn's Merchant Square on Ghent Road. He's come a long way since his first scent of mulled cranberry. Tkalec now offers scents such as roasted jalapeno, Bavarian pretzel, beer, bacon and tomato plant. "I've always been a candle lover," Tkalec said. "I would find a brand and become loyal and then they would do something that would make me mad and I'd …

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J. M. Tkalec

7:56 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012

Sue, you are too kind. I do hope people enjoy themselves when they visit the gallery; that's my goal. And you know how much I love to laugh! Come back and visit soon, Sue!   more ›

Thinker Toys Specializes in Toys That Make You Think

Here you can find puzzles, Playmobil action figures, plush puppets and other high-quality toys that foster imagination.

*Story originally published November 2011. Rob Miller began working for his mother, Pam, even before she opened her store. When Rob was about 18 years old, he helped his mother merchandise what is now Thinker Toys, the independent toy store that sits next to the Mustard Seed Market & Cafe on Medina Road. That was October 1994. Fast forward 17 years, and now Rob is store manager and handles the day-to-day operations of the business that employs four. Pam is retired and occasionally comes to the store to have lunch with her son and see how things are going. Pam, a North Canton resident, opened Thinker Toys to fill the void of stores that carried high-quality toys. She chose the Fairlawn location because she was excited by the prospects of …

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The Flower Hutch Has Something for Every Holiday

Flower shop has been in Bath Township for 42 years.

*This story was originally published in November 2011. John Tatman knows the business of flowers. He's owned and operated the Flower Hutch in Bath Township for 42 years. And he's been in the industry since high school. Tatman spent his after-school hours working for his aunt and uncle at their shop, Herwicks Floral Shop in Barberton. That time set the course for his life. Tatman opened his shop on 1572 N  Cleveland-Massillon Rd. because at the time there wasn't an existing flower shop nearby. “The closest one was in Wallhaven [an Akron neighborhood],” he said. The location has proved to be the right choice because of its easy access to Interstate 77. The Flower Hutch delivers to all zip codes in the Akron area. “The nice part about this …

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W E Snow

8:04 am on Friday, November 18, 2011

Always Gorgeous Creations from the Flower Hutch.   more ›

Versona Accessories Opens in Summit Mall Today

Enjoy a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. and $5 gift card to the first 25 customers.

Versona Accessories will open its first Ohio store in Summit Mall today. The store is next to Dillard's North. Versona Accessories is a women’s specialty retailer of jewelry and accessories, with key apparel items. Versona stores carry everything needed to complete an outfit including jewelry, handbags, shoes, belts, scarves, hair accessories, sunglasses, gift items and more.  “Versona Accessories promises to be a unique fashion destination where women can find the perfect accents to any outfit, no matter what the occasion. We are excited about our newest Versona store opening in Fairlawn,” said John Cato, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Cato Corporation.  Versona stores will employ approximately 25 people. The store…

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