It’s hard to believe Westcott Mercantile has only been in Belmont Center for 10 years. With its quirky displays, friendly staff, and old-fashioned customer service, the stylish gift shop at 63 Leonard St. taps so strongly into a sense of nostalgia that…
As a young boy, Richard “Dick” Chandler used to marvel at the antique furniture in the old homes on Brattle Street in Cambridge. “When I’d trick-or-treat, they’d invite us inside, and I’d see all these antiques,” he recalled. “Some of the guys…
Mortal enemies brandished intimidating weapons, facing off in an epic clash of good against evil. While deadly skirmishes caused multiple casualties on the battlefield, there was nothing but camaraderie on the sidelines. David Irons, leading a troop of miniature goblins, challenged Dillon…
One might not expect a corn farmer to become a lead designer for the Jessica Simpson Collection, designer of Academy Award fashion, and founder of her own fashion line, but that’s been the career trajectory of Rachel Walters, who owns Rachel Walters…
There are currently six vacancies among 32 storefronts in Belmont Center. It’s not the number of vacancies but the space they occupy that is alarming to long-time Belmont Center business owner and Belmont Toys owner Deran Muckjian. The empty storefronts of CVS,…
Remember pink pussyhats? The AIDS quilt? COVID masks with pointed messages? Welcome to the world of “craftivism,” creating handmade items to make political statements, advance a cause, or share a point of view. This weekend, a Belmont business will be crafting for…
Frustrated with the lack of options for older women seeking comfortable activewear, one Belmont resident decided to design her own. “I felt older women need to have fun clothes to wear when they’re exercising or when they’re walking the dog, or just…
As Hunter Mack gazed at vinyl-filled shelves and pointed out favorite musicians, he smiled and said, “It’s amazing.” The Arlington resident had seen signs on the 113 Trapelo Road storefront announcing Want List Records and was excited to be able to stop…
For 35 years, Gerry Dickhaut has run Champions Sporting Goods, a Belmont Center fixture. Now, he's retiring and selling the business to Belmont residents Andy Pollock and Dan Smith.…
You could almost hear a collective groan rise over Belmont when news spread that beloved Belmont Center anchors, Craft Beer Cellar and Trinktisch, were closing by the end of the year. Now, new details are emerging behind the demise of the beer…