Have You Noticed? Sundays Are Hopping in Maplewood Village

People are going to start looking better on Sundays in Maplewood.

Anthony Garubo Salon & Day Spa recently announced that they are adding Sunday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting January 31.

Crane's Delicatessen and Cheese Shop clearly expects that the powder puff crowd just might a chowder and muffin crowd as they have also announced Sunday hours starting this weekend. 

What's going on? Maplewood Village, even in its heyday before the advent of the malls, was sleepy on Sundays. "Many of these shops are responding to customer requests for Sunday Hours," said Julie Doran, Maplewood Village Alliance Executive Director. Modern day families often have two parents who work outside the home. Plus, national chains and malls have created consumer expectations for seven-day-a-week shopping.

Doran urged local shoppers to support the Sunday hours: "As residents, we need to make sure we patronize these shops on Sundays so they can afford to stay open on Sundays."

Added Doran, "We are so excited about Anthony Garubo's and Crane's new Sunday Hours. The more goods and services available on Sundays in the Village, the more traffic we will have—and that is good for everyone. If a patron is now coming to the Village for a haircut on Sunday afternoon, maybe they will cross the street to buy a book, get a bite to eat or take a yoga or acting class."

"And, of course, Sunday hours increase our local retailers ability to capture an increased share of consumer dollars. It is really important that residents understand that spending money locally is good for the entire town. Over 60% of every dollar spent at independently owned local retailers stays in the community through taxes, payroll and other services."

After just three months on the job, Doran clearly has done her homework. "We have well over 30 retail establishments open on Sundays," said Doran, who then ticked off Perch Home, Baker Street Yoga, CORE Mind & Body, Acting with Emily, Kim's Nails, Leo Nails, the Maplewood Theater, Words, Kokoro (though not in January), Tic Tac Toe, Revolution Home, 3R Living, Tenth Muse Gallery, Scrivener's, Maplewood Stationers, Kings Super Market, Village Wine Shop, Maplewood Wine and Liquor and Freeman's Fish Market. Even Geralyn's Art Studio is open on Sundays if someone has booked an event or birthday party.

And, of course, most of the restaurants are open, including Arturo's Osteria & Pizzeria, Cent'anni, Indigo Kitchen & Bar, Sona, Restaurant Lorena's, Luke's Kitchen, Maplewood Deli & Grille, The Bagel Chateau, Maple Leaf Diner, Village Coffee, Roman Gourmet, Village Tratorria, Samurai Sushi, Bill & Harry and the Village Ice Cream Parlour. 

And one more reason to love Sundays in the Village: This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday. So, Lotus Petals Floral Design and Jerry Rose Floral and Event Design will be open. "Many restaurants will have special menus and hours and most shops will be open," said Doran.

But that's another story. Watch this space.