by Deborah Held Maslia
March 1, 2006
Located in North Fulton county, The Square in Historic Roswell offers a shopping experience worth the venture. With its old town feel, the quaint windows and storefronts only hint at the treasure troves that lie within. With numerous stores on Canton Street, two of the oldies are still providing the goodies.
Located on the west side of the block sits The Chandlery, in business for almost 30 years. Open the door and step into a wonderland of elegant gifts and knowledgeable sales staff. With a slightly Southern and upscale flair to the merchandise, and a motto of “the perfect gift,” it is simply not possible to leave this family-owned store without the right gift for anyone on your list.
The Chandlery is known for its personalization and customization of items. Virtually any gift in the store can be monogrammed, engraved or special-ordered with a name or saying.
The courteous sales staff is ready to escort the buyer through each well-stocked section of the store. On your left, you’ll find a highly original boutique for children’s gifts. To the right is one the largest selections of Vera Bradley handbags and totes in Atlanta; a “Diamond Boutique,” The Chandlery gets first shipments of all new colors and designs from the line. There’s also an excellent selection of fine pottery (some available in Georgia exclusively at The Chandlery), tableware and hand-blown glass. An arrangement of Southern cookbooks, sauces and dips sits on wood shelving. Samples from Atlanta’s own Nam’s Bits lure the shopper in for a taste of these bite-sized cookies. There are even gifts for the collegiate and the male in your life, and if you’re at a total loss amongst all the giftware, The Chandlery also stocks its own signature line of monogrammed tea towels and handkerchiefs.
In an email, Sally Johnson, co-owner, writes. “…The Chandlery offers its customers the highest level of service and an acquired selection of gifts….Our welcoming environment makes people come back to shop over and over again.” With just a phone call, gift items can be charged to the shopper, wrapped (complimentary) and shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Don’t forget to meander through the back room, where the background music overhead changes from light pop to light jazz, and the subtle scents of fine bath products infuse the air. The clerk who runs this area will help customers select a signature scent from the Thymes or Lady Primrose lines, or provide helpful advice on bedroom linens including 100 percent Egyptian combed cotton bedding from Yves Delorma.
The Chandlery is a great place to visit during its free engraving and monogramming days that can turn your purchases into one-of-a kind treasures. Find out also about the boutique’s periodic artist visits and food tastings.
Located just north of The Square at 1169 Canton Street is an unusual log cabin with a red tin roof that houses the nine-year-old, award-winning Raiford Galleries, owned by artist Judie Raiford. Inside the large, two-story building sits some of the country’s greatest art. Raiford represents 400 artists in all mediums. The art is grouped by color and by artist, making for an attractive and intriguing tour. Jewelry cases hold center-stage in the entrance to the gallery, as this is Raiford’s own medium. Unusual and naturally magnificent stones stand out among the hand-made pieces, but Raiford sells jewelry from other artists as well.
A trip up the stairs leads to a section of Rich Coe’s famous animal art, made entirely from scrap parts and defective shovels. Hand-blown glass of every color adorns much of the upstairs. Paintings are displayed on both floors, including the work of Dale Rayburn, who also has two pieces hanging in the White House.
While paintings, furniture and custom jewelry can top out at $10,000, don’t let that stop you from visiting as most of the art is quite affordable. As Raiford explains, artists today are competing with mass-produced goods. They realize early on that, “if it’s not affordable, it’s not going to sell.”
0603P38VaseNo matter the cost of your purchase, it will be wrapped with color and flair, making the shopper feel that he or she has truly acquired a treasured piece of art. The gallery offers shipping services as well.
Each September, the gallery hosts an annual art sale with 40 artists participating, and once a quarter, Raiford invites visiting artists to the gallery. She encourages new customers to come to Historic Roswell saying, “there is life and art ‘OTP’ (outside the perimeter). Our clients are enriching their lives with the passion of the artist’s work … you can buy a coffee mug and enjoy it [because] you can feel the passion of the artist.”
Historic Roswell offers the discerning shopper some of the most unusual and inspiring gifts to be had. Whether from The Chandlery or Raiford Gallery, you can be assured of giftware that is truly one-of-a-kind.
