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

By Ronni Newton

Construction is progressing on Jared The Galleria of Jewelry in Corbins Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

We know you like to be in the know about what’s happening with West Hartford’s businesses, so we will get right to the buzz.

But don’t forget that this column needs your input, too! 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].

• There was nothing but a big hole and some gravel behind a chain link fence for a while, but construction seems to be progressing fairly rapidly now as the new Jared The Galleria of Jewelry rises from the parking lot at Corbins Corner. No date yet for when it will be ready to open, but of course we will let you know right here in Business Buzz.
• Returning to the area – just in time for the holidays – is Build-a-Bear! There were a lot of sad little faces (on the kids as well as the un-built bears) when the Westfarms Build-A-Bear Workshop closed in February 2014, but Westfarms has announced that the store will reopen on the lower level near JCPenney. The opening is planned for Nov. 21, according to the Build-A-Bear website.
• Have you checked out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore yet? Many of you read the story on We-Ha.com about the first store of its type in the Hartford area (it’s actually just over the line in Bloomfield, but longtime West Hartford resident Matt Boyne runs it). We’d love to hear what you think about the store that offers new and gently used furniture, appliances and building materials, and provides a variety of ways to donate to a great cause like Habitat for Humanity.
• We-Ha.com received an email this past week from Laura Keever, co-owner of Work in Progress Fitness. Her business partner, Mary Kate Doyle, has two children who have Type 1 Diabetes (read their story here), and Work in Progress will be holding a fundraiser, their second annual for JDRF, on Nov. 22, 2014. Anyone can come to the facility that day and have a free workout in exchange for a donation to JDRF. They will also have a “silent auction offering Rangers Tickets, Okemo Ski Weekend, private dining event with local celebrity chef and much much more!” According to Keever, last year’s fundraiser raised more than $8,000 for JDRF. WIP is located at 485 New Park Ave., West Hartford. Call 860-716-0833 with any questions.
• Sight Eyewear will be honoring “Visionaries to Watch” on Nov. 12. They have selected 10 “business powerhouses and creative visionaries who have changed our community for the better,” including well known West Hartford business owners Billy Grant, Jane Shauck, and Kimberly Mattson Moster. Further details to come.

Remember, if you have any business news to share, remember to add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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