Local Holiday Shopping: The Spice & Tea Exchange [Q&A]

For this new installment of our holiday shopping series, we spoke on Tuesday afternoon to Pam Robinson, who owns The Spice & Tea Exchange at 118 Main St. with husband John Robinson. What follows is a transcription of our interview. ***

New Canaanite:  How are things going so far this shopping season? Pam Robinson: We’re very happy with this holiday season.

Local Holiday Shopping 2025: Lilly Pulitzer Splash of Pink [Q&A]

For this installment of our holiday shopping series, we visited Lilly Pulitzer Splash of Pink at 78 Elm St. and talked to Store Manager Wendy Probert. 

Here’s a transcription of our interview. ***

New Canaanite: Tell me how it’s going so far this holiday season at Splash of Pink. Wendy Probert: We just moved down to this location last year in January. We were up the street at another location, so we’re coming up on a year and it started off quite well.

‘Paws and Provisions’ Pet Store Planned for Elm and Grove Streets

About one year after the plan emerged, the installation of a pet store in a long-vacant commercial space in New Canaan appears to be moving forward, according to documents filed with the town. After approving changes to the New Canaan Zoning Regulations about one year ago to allow for the businessat Elm and Grove Streets, the Planning & Zoning Commission in April issued a Special Permit for a pet store with grooming services. At the time, it wasn’t clear what company was planning to come in. (Pet Pantry Warehouse is located on the same block, at 21 Grove St.)

According to a new filing with P&Z and Connecticut Secretary of the State records, the company behind the store is “Paws and Provisions Inc.” and its managing principal is a New Norwalk Road resident. (A pet store company by the same name is located in San Francisco, according to its website.)

P&Z is scheduled to take up a request for sign and site plan approval, as well as some changes to the brick building’s facade, during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Local Holiday Shopping: Wave [Q&A]

For this new installment of our holiday shopping series, we talked on Saturday to Heather Satin, owner of Wave (here on Instagram) at 86 Elm St. Here’s a transcription of our interview. ***

New Canaanite: How’s it going so far this holiday shopping season? Heather Satin: I feel like it was a delayed start, but it’s really picking up now this weekend, and I think everyone’s getting in their system that they know it’s less than two weeks away. 

What kind of things are people looking for? 

The fine jewelry’s been really exploding. People are loving the diamonds and the charms. We’re actually doing a flash sale of 14-karat diamond sapphire charms. They’re 20% off and everyone’s loving the wishlist, as well.

Local Holiday Shopping: Stewart’s Wine & Spirits [Q&A]

For this new installment of our holiday shopping series, we talk to Larry Klem, manager at Stewart’s Wine & Spirits at 215 Elm St. Here’s our interview. ***

New Canaanite: How are things going this holiday shopping season? Larry Klem: We had a very vibrant Thanksgiving week and a week up to it. But again, like last year was late, so it was all compressed in that last week.