t.s. Dobbins Tellus 360 The Patio Shop at Stauffers of Kissel Hill
Atomic Warehouse The Charlotte Shoppe
Must Love Dogs
Terry and Dean Dobbins just celebrated their 22nd anniversary, and in a retail business, that’s a long time. It all started when Terry got a job with JCPenney during college. She changed her major to marketing and retail, worked her way up the women’s division for 13 years, then decided it was time for a
change. She taught fashion merchandising and marketing for the Bradley Academy and York College before she decided to open her own boutique in 1990. Her husband Dean joined her in the business last year.
While Terry and Dean are a dynamic duo in their community, especially known for their work with the York SPCA, it’s Norman and Bella, their two chocolate labs, that shoppers come to see, jokes the couple. “People come in and say, ‘Are the dogs here?’” smiles Terry. And they usually are. Dean will motion toward the back of the store, “Someone’s here to see you…” and out come Norman and Bella to say hello.
Five years ago, explains Dean, they did their first fashion show to benefit the SPCA, and they had just put another lab down, so the SPCA brought Norman along… “Just to see if he and Bella would get along,” he smiles. The rest is history. And the pair are inseparable.
But shoppers do come in looking for more than the dogs. t.s. Dobbins is known for its extensive collection of Brighton, its new addition of Pandora, and favorite brands like Spanx, Oka b and Miracle Body Jeans. A new line of accessories—described as “Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O, with a touch of whimsy”—called My Flat in London launches August 1. For men, they carry Blue Willi’s, Tommy Bahama and Bill’s Khakis, locally made in Reading.
t.s. Dobbins // 204 Saint Charles Way, York // 717-741-3042
Sustainable Shopping
From reclaimed wood corn hole sets to a new wedding registry, Tellus 360 has something for every eco-conscious shopper. What originally started with Irish antiques and reclaimed wood furniture has blossomed into a hip hangout for First Fridays and other special events (check their website), with stylish and quirky gift items, jewelry, and an art gallery. For one of their newest ventures, store manager Mairtin Lally has even become an authorized solar installer. These guys take being green seriously, from the first floor of the renovated warehouse store space all the way to the living green roof. Just ask to go up and see it, and check out the city view, too, while you’re up there.
Tellus 360 // 24 E. King St., Lancaster // 717-393-1660 // www.tellus360.com
Patio Paradise
We love Stauffers of Kissel Hill, from their supermarkets to their garden centers, but the Patio Shop at SKH Mechanicsburg takes the cake: 11 acres of patio furniture, accessories, plants, planters, supplies and more.
Some of their latest offerings include the Big Green Egg and Jensen Leisure, a modern furniture line made of ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”), which is an FSC and Rainforest Alliance Certified Brazilian hardwood. Traditionalists will love the American-made Lloyd Flanders line of hand wrapped wicker. With about 18,000 square feet of choices, there is something to suit any outdoor style here.
“When you buy here, you’re buying the best lines,” affirms Joanne Clime, buyer of patio furniture and accessories. Plus you get a team of experts and service to go along with them. “We are all exterior designers,” adds Duane Bell, patio shop and home accent manager. “We offer white glove delivery service, care instructions and future service,” he explains, which translates to completely assembled furniture delivered with no trash. “All you have to do is bring out your sweet tea and enjoy it,” says Bell.
The Patio Shop at Stauffers of Kissel Hill // 51 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg // 717-766-7993 // www.skh.com // Other locations in Rohrerstown, Lititz, Lancaster, East York, Dover, Hummelstown, Linglestown and Lebanon
Metro Retro
Tucked away just outside of Metro Harrisburg is a retro Mecca of vintage treasure we just had to share if you’re not already in the know. If 20th Century design, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern or Mission style are in your vernacular, and designers you covet are Eames and Herman Miller, this place is a must-visit. You’ll find everything from vintage clothes and accessories to furniture, lighting, art and advertising, appliances, clocks, radios, televisions and even cars and motorcycles. PS: They’re only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 12-6pm.
Atomic Warehouse // 1021 Market St., Harrisburg // 717-236-1900 // www.AtomicWarehouse.com
Retail Retreat
Sure, we love Charlotte Shoppe for the fashions, but what we really love are the shoes! With locations in Sinking Spring and Lancaster, this shop is stocked with all the latest looks with an emphasis on comfort. Find footwear brands like Beautifeel, Sesto Meucci, Sperry, Vaneli and UGG as well as fashions from Brighton, Joseph Ribkoff and Tori Richard, plus accessories from Hobo Bags and Simon Sebag, just to name a few. Be sure to ask about the Charlotte Clearance Closet too! Named after shop owner Lisa Balaci’s grandmother, the name Charlotte actually means “womanly,” so it’s a perfect fit for this retail retreat.
The Charlotte Shoppe // 605 Richmond Drive, Suite 107, Lancaster // 717-569-2060 // www.CharlotteShoppe.com