With the holiday season upon us, the pressure is on for some to find those unique gifts. If you are looking to purchase an item your loved one will adore for years to come, look no further than a pair of sister businesses that have recently opened new storefronts in Bradford.
Timeless Treasures, owned by Sheryl Silvis, and Iris & Ivy Boutique, owned by Taylor Grandinetti, are located at 4 Boylston St. in Bradford. Together, these two unique storefronts contain carefully curated items for every person on your gift list. They are one of several perfect options in downtown Bradford for shopping at small businesses this holiday season.
Both stores are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
This Friday and Saturday, like many downtown businesses, both stores will offer a sale. Timeless Treasures is offering 20 percent off of Christmas decor and Iris & Ivy is offering 20 percent off of Christmas apparel. On Saturday, they are also offering doorbuster gifts to the first 20 customers who make a purchase.
Timeless Treasures is in its 24th year of operation. Over that time Silvis has grown her business from a small spot in a consignment store to a proper storefront with quite the following. She carries everything from baskets, kitchen gadgets, to jewelry and home decor. There is a small men’s section, a garden section, a selection of handmade afghans and even mommy-and-me matching apron sets, crafted by Silvis herself.
“People know when they come here they will find unique pieces that nobody else is offering,” Silvis said.
When she first opened, Silivs said that her business was 98 percent retail. Over time, she began bringing in more and more vintage items. These days, her inventory is a mixture of both.
“I get a thrill from finding a beautiful vintage piece that I know my customers will love,” she said.
Over the years, Silvis has developed a discerning eye for what will sell. With her knowledge of antiques and eye for contemporary design, she is someone to consider for advice on decorating a home.
“Everything here is carefully considered and chosen for its quality and beauty,” said Silvis.
“Our customers range from younger people who come in and buy a whole dish set to the more mature lady who is looking for that perfect piece to finish off her decor.”
For many years, Silvis has brought her children along to vendor shows to get their viewpoint.
“I like to get the younger generation’s opinion on things to help ensure that we have something that will appeal to all ages,” Silvis said.
Once her son had married, she brought along her daughter-in-law, Grandinetti, as well.
“I gifted her the children’s section of my business and she worked at that for three years — going to vendor shows and curating items,” Silvis said.
Earlier this year, Grandinetti and Silvis jointly opened their doors, side by side. The ladies make a good team. While Silvis’ store features more vintage and household items, Grandinetti focuses on retail clothing, childrens’ items and decor.
“I love to shop and I really enjoy finding that perfect piece for each customer,” said Grandinetti.
“Opening this business has been a dream of mine for a long time.”
Grandinetti is a mother of young children and she uses that insight when purchasing items for her store. She is especially fond of more “heirloom” type toys that can stand the test of time and be passed from child to child.
“We carry a wide selection of Melissa & Doug toys because I know that they last,” Grandinetti said.“All the ones that we have I originally bought for my 10-year-old and now the younger ones are playing with them years later.”
Her store also features contemporary clothing styles for mom and child. She has great gifts for new moms and baby showers.
“I have a lot more of the apparel; mine is more of a retail shop and I get my items from wholesale vendors online or shows,” said Grandinetti.
The goal of both women is to carry products that will stand the test of time and become well-loved pieces.
“We are in an age,” Silvis said, “where we have to choose quality items, repurpose and reuse what we can.”