West Hartford Business Buzz: March 7, 2016

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

By Ronni Newton

Sunday was in the mid-40s. Monday is supposed to be in the mid 50s, Tuesday is supposed to be 63, and Wednesday – 71 degrees!!

Yay!! The long range forecast (at least the one that appears on the Weather Channel app on my phone) looks springy for the next two weeks, and even though it may rain, I don’t see any graphics of those evil white flaky things.

No doubt we will see tables and chairs returning to the patios outside many West Hartford restaurants before the end of the week.

Although this winter was decidedly less awful than last winter, I am always very ready for the return of spring and flowers, and green grass, and putting the down coat in storage. I think many people share the same sentiment.

Our local businesses should be happy, too, because it means more of us will be out and about, shopping and dining. We will need to stock up on gardening supplies, and of course new clothes for the new season. It may even be pedicure time!

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:

Bluemercury, located at the intersection of Farmington Avenue and LaSalle Road, will have its soft opening this week. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“The” center of West Hartford Center will be buzzing within the week. What I would consider the primo spot in the Center – the Tudor-style building at the corner of Farmington Avenue and LaSalle Road – will be vacant no more. According to District Manager Liz Alexander, Friday, March 11, is the planned soft opening for Bluemercury, which according to its website is known to offer “the world’s most innovative beauty products in a truly unique shopping experience. Bluemercury clients receive unparalleled technical product knowledge, expert advice and friendly service.” Free samples are provided, and spa services are available onsite, too. Alexander said the grand opening will probably take place the following week. Plans for Bluemercury’s opening in the former Lululemon location at 987 Farmington Ave. were first announced in October.
One of the most well-read stories on this site was the article that appeared on Friday about Hartford Baking Company opening a second location in West Hartford Center. I met with owner Scott Kluger on Saturday afternoon, and got much more information about the menu, hours, and vision for the new cafe. Click here for that story.

As announced in late January, Labrazel Home is still planning on closing its retail store as of April 30, that is if any stock remains. Owner Lauren Zeligson said that everything in the store is now 20 – 75 percent off, and all fixtures are for sale as well.
Petals and Paws ribbon cutting Feb. 10. 2016. Photo credit: Ira Nozick
The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce held its monthly “After Hours” in February at the new Petals and Paws store on Park Road, and used the opportunity as a ribbon-cutting as well. Petals and Paws, which offers high quality pet and garden products with personalized service, moved to 268 Park Rd. in January 2016.

ICMYI Bunnyville is back at Westfarms, featuring the Easter Bunny as its star resident. The family-friendly display at Center Court will be open daily through March 26.
Congratulations to West Hartford resident Deb Cohen, who was named Chief Financial Officer for the Mark Twain House in February. According to the Mark Twain House, Cohen was chosen after an extensive candidate search. Cohen was most recently vice president of finance at One Beacon Insurance Group, but many of us also know her as a member of the West Hartford Historic District Commission and writer/photographer for “The Front Door Project” blog which often appears on we-ha.com.
Deb Cohen is the new CFO of the Mark Twain House. Courtesy photo

Congratulations also to West Hartford resident Kathleen Costello who was recently named chair of the steering committee for the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving‘s Catalyst Endowment Fund. The Catalyst Endowment Fund, established 22 years ago, provides grants in support of nonprofit programs in areas such as health, housing and education. Costello is a social worker, and an adjunct professor at Goodwin College.
And although we might be stretching it slightly to call this a business story, very well-deserved congratulations also go to West Hartford native Kate Callahan who last week was named Connecticut State Troubadour. The singer-songwriter overcame tremendous obstacles following a traumatic brain injury and is enjoying a very successful career. Click here for all the details.