The last thing its felt like around here is winter. Despite Friday’s mild temperatures the City of Northampton hosted its second annual Ice Art Festival. Downtown Northampton was picture perfect on Friday, and a far cry from the knee deep snow that greeted the first Ice Art Festival last year. We’ve all heard the expression, ‘Don’t like the New England weather just stick around, because it’s sure to change.’ “This is winter in New England and it’s posing new problems,” said Dan Yacuzzo, president of the Northampton Business Improvement District.
Press Room
David Jaffe Holds Free Raffle for Charity!
January 19, 2012
NORTHAMPTON - David Jaffe continued a tradition he started three years ago that he calls "birthday benevolence" to celebrate his 52nd birthday Wednesday.
On his 50th birthday, Jaffe gave $50 bills to the first 50 people to enter the Easthampton Community Center food pantry. In 2011, he did 51 good deeds on his 51st birthday, including paying for coffee for strangers or giving gift bags to people he met on the street.
Malls are too Crowded. Come to Thornes Marketplace to skip the lines!
January 12, 2012
In Northampton, parking was relatively easy and shoppers were out but not in force. Mary Risely, who works in the Artisan Gallery on Main Street, said, “I feel the post Christmas (shopping) is for the malls. People are looking for post holiday sales. Northampton is a nice place to come for lunch, more of a strolling (kind of day),” she said. Risley said she had gone into Thorne’s Marketplace earlier and felt a sigh of relief that the frenetic energy of the past month was gone. Business at the gallery was brisk in December. “A lot of people wanting to buy local,” she said.
Senate Candidate Elizabeth Warren Visits Thornes Marketplace!
December 6, 2011
NORTHAMPTON – U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren pumped hands, cradled babies and mugged for photos Monday during a tour of Northampton in which she received a warm welcome. Escorted by Mayor-elect David J. Narkewicz and Daniel J. Yacuzzo, the executive director of the downtown Business Improvement District, Warren visited several women’s clothing stores, wandered around Thornes Marketplace and dropped in on two new Crafts Avenue businesses, talking with merchants, shoppers and pedestrians all the while.
Treat Yourself at Thornes Marketplace during the Holidays!
November 30, 2011
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - You have heard of re-gifting, but do you know what self-gifting is?
Self-gifting is when you buy presents for yourself while you're shopping for others. About 59% of shoppers surveyed said that they plan on self-gifting this year. Those who do it say that if they see a good deal, they are going to take advantage of it. Still, the majority of their purchases this season will be for others.
22News asked people in Thornes Marketplace if they ever self-gift.
People-watching, bargains, lure crowds locally on Black Friday
November 27, 2011
An unusually sunny and warm Friday brought holiday shoppers to Pioneer Valley stores in droves. Most interviewed by the Gazette reported a good, if a bit harried, Black Friday shopping experience. Lisa Jenike of Northampton and mother-in-law, Lanette Jenike of Tulsa, Okla., took a short break in the sitting area at Thornes Marketplace after a whirlwind shopping expedition to buy items for a baby who is expected to join the Jenike family before Christmas. "I'm not a good shopper," Lanette Jenike admitted.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Heavenly Chocolate
November 26, 2011
If you consider yourself an average American, than you eat between ten and 12 pounds of chocolate every year. Getting the best chocolate for you doesn't have to be expensive, but by following these tips, you might be on your way. Chocolatier's Bud Stockwell and Corrin Meise-Munns from Heavenly Chocolate of Thornes Marketplace in Northampton are here to help us with Chocolate Tasting 101.
Pride & Joy Reincarnated in Thornes Marketplace
November 22, 2011
NORTHAMPTON – Pride & Joy, the iconic store on Crafts Avenue that served as a touchstone of the gay community for nearly two decades, has begun a new incarnation in Thornes Marketplace. Last week, new owners Jennifer Harlan and Joy Rain celebrated the store’s rebirth at the downtown anchor with a ceremony that included mayor-elect David J. Narkewicz and Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan. The shiny new space has a completely different feel from the funky storefront on Crafts Avenue.
Bag Day Kicks off In Northampton
November 21, 2011
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Every year Bag Day in Northampton truly kicks off the holiday shopping season in Hampshire County, and Saturday was no exception. Bag Day in Northampton is an annual tradition that's really caught on, people swarmed Thornes Marketplace on Saturday to get a bag, which earned them big discounts at most of the city's stores.
Thornes Marketplace Leading the Way in Effort to Go Green
September 7, 2011
NORTHAMPTON - Businesses can save a lot of money by going green, but who has the time? A new partnership between City Hall, area utilities and a local energy-efficiency group is designed to simplify what officials say is a tricky process. It's called Northampton Leading the Way. Mayor Clare Higgins said two of the city's largest employers, Cooley Dickinson Hospital and Smith College, have already undertaken major projects to become energy efficient. But it's harder for small business to take on such ambitious projects, Higgins said Tuesday at a press conference in Thornes Marketplace.