West Hartford Business Buzz: March 23, 2015

A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses.

By Ronni Newton

Happy first Monday of Spring!

Second Time Around is moving two spaces over, and will be located at 973 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Katie Newton

I was lucky enough to escape to sunny and warm Florida for a few days last week – a wonderful surprise from my husband! It was a great reminder of what the outside world looks like when the grass is green, flowers are blooming, and a down coat and boots aren’t needed to walk down the street.

Returning to snow was no fun at all, but I’m going to be optimistic and call Friday and Saturday’s snow winter’s last blast. My daffodils survived and may even bloom in a week or two!

The stores are full of bright and cheerful spring merchandise – a great way to infuse some color into the world right now.

Thank you to our readers who have provided some great ideas for this week’s column. If you have tips about businesses opening or closing, or doing something worth sharing, please provide that information in the comments or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

Second Time Around is on the move, but just like across-the-street neighbor Silver Dahlia is not going very far. The upscale consignment store in West Hartford Center is in the process of relocating two spaces to the east, from 977 Farmington Ave. to 973 Farmington Ave., into the storefront formerly occupied by Spruce. Assistant Manager Ashley Hunt said the store will occupy about the same amount of space, but has really updated the look. “It’s the same STA flavor, just modernized,” she said. The configuration of the new space will also allow for a discount basement. Hunt said that the move is already in progress and no downtime is expected. STA will open in the new space on Wednesday, March 25. No word yet on a replacement tenant for the 977 Farmington Ave. space.
West Hartford’s Fred Astaire Dance Studio has waltzed (sorry, couldn’t resist) into a new space. The dance studio that has been located in West Hartford since 1972 is still in the Elmwood area, but has moved from New Britain Avenue to 141 South St., Suite F. Their new building is on the west side of the street, opposite the intersection with Shield Street.
Congratulations to West Hartford resident Harlan M. Kent, who last week was hired as president of Rhode Island-based jewelry company Alex and Ani. According to the Hartford Business Journal, Kent was formerly the CEO of Yankee Candle and C. Wonder clothing retailer. He is also a former board member of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Congratulations also to local resident Darcy Apicella who has just opened her own new business, Elevations Salon, at 221 Park Rd.
Violin and viola instructor Ryan Deguzis, who used to work at Music & Arts on Farmington Avenue, has now opened his own studio. The Complete Musician, located on Prospect Avenue on the West Hartford/Hartford line. According to the website, “The Complete Musician is the continuation and consolidation of [Deguzis’] philosophy to provide in depth but fun music lessons for the next generation. His studio philosophy is to practice slowly, think carefully, have a healthy amount perseverance and stubbornness, but mostly to have fun!” Deguzis is a graduate of the Peabody Institute and the Hartt School.