J.Crew Factory Store
J.Crew opened a factory store in The Brookside Shopping Mall on July 2. Kate Connolly, district manager for J.Crew, said that the remodeling of the store was completed on June 26 and merchandise began arriving the next day. The J. Crew Factory Store sells discounted apparel for men, women, boys, and girls, with other locations in Burlington, Northborough, and Framingham. Staffing is nearly complete but, as of last week, Kate was still looking for an assistant manager for the Acton location.
https://factory.jcrew.com 149 Great Road, (351) 235-3007. M 10-7, Tu 10-7, W 10-7, Th 10-7, F 10-6, Sat 10-7, Sun 10-6.
Handworks Gallery
Carla Dorato has moved her Handworks Gallery from 161 Great Road to 342 Great Road in the Acton Woods Plaza, at the corner of Rt. 27 and Rts. 2A/119. The grand opening was May 31. Her store features local artists and artisans as well as craft people from around the world. Carla has over twenty years of experience in the craft world and offers pottery, glassware, glass art, jewelry, fine art, soap and candles, candy, “whimsical décor,” scarves and textiles, and cards and stationery. She likes to bring “joy to the neighborhood.”
https://www.handworksacton.com 342 Great Road. (978) 263-1707. M 10-5, Tu 10-6, W 10-6, Th 10-7, F 10-6, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-3.
Origins Taekwondo
Phary Pheng opened Origins Taekwondo Academy in March at 271 Great Road at the former location of Creative Camera. This is the first time she has owned her own studio after practicing and instructing for over twelve years under Grand Master Young Soo Chang. She is a 4th Dan Master instructor. Her students are from Acton, Maynard, Littleton, and Carlisle. Phary says: “I believe in the philosophy behind taekwondo, and my teaching methods, because I do really think that taekwondo is a necessary life skill that helps nurture your mind and body and makes you stronger mentally and physically.”
She is offering a summer special that includes one month of classes and a uniform.
https://originstaekwondo.com. 271 Great Road, (978) 429 8183.
Great Road Vintage
Steve Genova, owner of the Great Road Vintage antique store at 469 Great Road, is moving his business eastward to 161 Great Road in Esterbrook Plaza, the former location of Handworks. He and his wife have sold antiques for ten years and are relocating to be closer to their most active customers and dealers. Customers can also bring in furniture and artwork that will be sold under consignment. Steve and his wife welcome dealers who rent space within the store to sell their own items. A store-wide sale is on now with markdowns between 20% and 50%. They are closing their 469 Great location on July 13 at 5 p.m. After two weeks of moving and renovation, the new shop at 161 Great Road will open August 1.
https://www.greatroadvintage.com, (978) 429-8322. Wed.-Sat. 11-5, Sunday noon-5.
Absolute Tile
Irene Olsinowski will soon open her new store, Absolute Tile, Stone and Cabinets at 583 Mass Ave., West Acton, in the space recently vacated by Glaucia Rossi McKinney, owner of Absolute Tile Marble and Cabinets. The banners in the display windows of the store announce, “Your one-stop shop for kitchen and bath remodeling; tiles, flooring, countertops, cabinetry, shower panels and more!” The location is being remodeled, with a grand opening to follow the completion of construction.
Website and hours not yet available. (978) 621-7331.
McKinney’s company, Absolute Tile Marble and Cabinet, remains in business remotely as she has moved to Georgia with her husband. The two Absolute Tile companies are not affiliated.
Jeff Brown is the business beat reporter for the Acton Exchange.