Renaissance at Concord Cookware

A look of astonishment on a visitor’s face as they enter is the new normal at Concord Cookware these days. Just a few weeks removed from a complete reorganization of displays and merchandise, the staff at 13 Walden Street is still witnessing gasps, jaw-drops and the occasional shriek of delight.

It’s the comments, though, that have convinced owners Meghan and Bob Prestidge and Sales Manager Allie Delorey that they did the right thing. Numerous and overwhelmingly positive, their favorite came recently from Holly of Arlington.

“I’ve been coming out here for years because you’re such nice people,” said the long-time regular, once she had reoriented herself. “I’ve always loved your store because of the great vibe. But now, it’s just about perfect!”

Meghan Prestidge agrees. “I had the basic layout in mind years ago and when the time came for a change, the three of us talked about it, refined it and decided to go for it, just like that! We were half-way through, just the three of us, when it hit us that something special was happening.”

“The feedback has been unbelievable,” said Sales Manager Delorey. “We have the same great products on pretty much the same displays. But this new look makes so much more sense! Customers can see much more, items are categorized better and, as a staff, we’re more accessible and efficient. I love it!”

Another frequent comment The Prestidges and Delorey have heard is the question of whether the store is under new ownership. The staff certainly understands the inquiry, considering the changes, and they usually take advantage of it to give a little history of the store. With pride, Meghan or Bob are happy to mention their ten years of ownership and over thirty years as a family business on Walden Street.

“What a lot of people don’t realize is that Bob and I actually met in the store, back in 1994,” said Prestidge. “We’ve come a long way since then but we’ve never had this kind of team before. When Allie came along two years ago, everything changed. We honestly don’t know where we’d be without her.”

Even after all these years, Concord Cookware’s philosophy hasn’t wavered. With a focus on American-made products, they strive to provide the basic kitchen tools and utensils for every level of cook in a friendly environment. Customer questions are welcomed on all things culinary and if they don’t have a particular item, they’ll do their best to recommend a local business that might.

“It might be the best part of the job, helping people,” said Delorey “Just the other day we received an email from a customer, thanking us for shipping a product to him. But the best part of his note was thanking us for our knowledge and for how friendly we are. I can’t tell you how much that means to us.”

Now that “The Big Move” is complete, Meghan, Bob and Allie aren’t relaxing. With their dedication to both people and product, the staff of Concord Cookware is hopeful they’ve committed themselves to at least another thirty years on Walden Street.