After years of open-mic nights and co-producing a successful series of regular comedy events called Side Ponytail, Carolyn Busa landed back home in South Jersey when the pandemic abruptly shut down the scene in 2020. She opened Peak Secondhand at Centre Street and Maple Avenue in Merchantville early in June as a showcase for her earthy personality, vintage clothes and her own drawings. Busa and her dad looked at a number of locations in Philadelphia before finding the space on busy Centre Street - seen by Mayor Ted Brennan as "an attractive option for people who are investing in themselves like Carolyn" - A longtime fan of shopping for used clothing and accessories, Busa was inspired to get into the business by Frugal Thrift and Vintage in Collingswood and recently caught the eye of writer, Kevin Riordan, from The Inquirer. PEAK is open Tuesday-Friday from 12-6; Saturday 12-7 and Sunday 12-5.

The Borough Business Spotlight is on Merchantville's Antiques and Salvage this month, owned by Michael and Jaclyn Ricci. He, a mechanic by trade and antiques lover, she, a promoter of downtown businesses and the the Green Team. Michael's family has deep roots in Merchantville - over 100 years. He carries vintage electronics, salvaged pieces, furniture, kitchen housewares, vintage and antique lamps, replacement pieces, chandeliers, desk, floor, pendant, and ceiling lighting. And, as a bonus, he can repair any broken lighting. Often a destination shop for day trippers from as far away as Massachusetts the store also has a loyal base of residents and neighbors. Stop in for a visit: Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday 1:00-7:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and, Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Aunt Charlotte's Candies is ready and Valentines Day will be here before you know it. Merchantville's historic candy and gift shop, located at 5 West Maple Avenue, promises a "Delight In Every Bite!" For over 100 years the Oakford family has created unique chocolates and many other delicious treats for our sweethearts and their sales girls will take great care of you. Shopping hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:30 to 5:30, Friday from 9:30 to 6:00 and Saturday from 9:30 to 5:30. Aunt Charlotte's offers curbside pick up or can ship a Valentine treat to anyone you wish! Come early and miss the crowds!

Several shops in town are hosting evening events this weekend. House of Rowan, South Jersey Lingerie Boutique, and Adrian Rowan Photography present an evening open house to check out their new stock, meet some locals, and grab some produce for dinner at Merchantville Market Off Centre - our local farmers market. Every $25 purchase at House of Rowan receives $5 Market Money to use at the farmers market. C.U.B. & Co. will hold its first wine and cheese event with local wines, music, giveaways and shopping on Saturday June 19th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. You can also join Aradia's Treasure Metaphysical Shop on Saturday, June 19th, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. to celebrate Summer Solstice Activities with a circle gathering, meditation and light supper. 

Welcome to Catherine Gray and Merchantville's new bakery, Cat's Creations! Nestled in a cozy spot at 21 South Center Street, this shop is a dream realized after five years honing baking and entrepreneurial skills while juggling full time motherhood and work. These days she's often found whipping up her custom, everyday and all-occasion desserts in the kitchen at Park Place Cafe & Restaurant courtesy of a sharing arrangement with Chef Phil Manganaro. Stop by to see the sweet range of custom, everyday and all-occasion cakes, plus cookies, pastries, eclairs and muffins. Follow Cat day-to-day on Instagram! Bakery hours are 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 12:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, and 12:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Monday hours are reserved for consultations and by appointment only. Read more about Cat's Creations on NJ Pen.

In December Merchantville welcomed entrepreneur, Kimberly “Kim” Wallace, and C.U.B. & Co. to town. Her boutique storefront, located at 23 North Centre, and online shop, feature unique mommy and me T- shirt designs. C.U.B. (Celebrating an Unconditional Bond) & Co., is a brand that showcases and celebrates the special connection between mom and child with cute and edgy t-shirt and onesie collections.  Born and raised in North Jersey, Kim migrated to Philadelphia for college where she received a Master’s in physical therapy then, settled in Burlington township with her young daughter. The idea for C.U.B. & Co. was hatched in 2017, with  mommy and me tees that represented Kim and her daughter. Fast forward to 2020 when her business grew from creating her own designs to custom orders and expanding beyond tees - a business owner's dream come true and shop where you'll be sure to find the coolest, most imaginative items and this. Please stop by C.U.B. & Co. for your personal or gift-giving needs and check out the apparel on her website and Facebook page. Whatever the occasion, be assured that you're supporting an awesome brand. Kim will also soon be hosting small create and craft events!