1 week Ago By [email protected] (Jonathan Phelps)
GET READY to saddle up, or just find the right pair of boots or cowboy hat to wear around. Boot Barn , which claims to be the largest western and workwear retailer in the nation, is now open at the Mall of New Hampshire. This is the chain’s 459th location and second in New Hampshire — the first was in Nashua.
A grand opening celebration will take place over the weekend with boot raffles and live music. Unlike most retail stores, all the boots, hats and accessories inside the 13,000-square-foot space are on display making it easier for customers to try on the products, which includes brands like Cody James, Hawx and the ubiquitous Wrangler. The many rows of boots open customers to all their options and provides an experience that most stores don’t have anymore, said Michael Shea, assistant manager.
Some brands, such as Cody James and Moonshine Spirit by Brad Paisley are exclusive to Boot Barn. The ladies might like Idyllwind Fueled by Miranda Lambert. “I like seeing people’s faces light up when they buy their first pair of boots or even their 12th pair,” he said.
It seems like a natural fit for Shea, who grew up wearing western boots. It’s a look many in New Hampshire can relate to, especially in more rural areas of the state. “It is becoming popular countrywide,” Shea said.
Maybe that has to do with TV shows like “Yellowstone.” The employees are well-versed in helping customers find just the right type of boot, including traditional boots with leather soles and those with rubber. Depending on the brand and quality, boots can run approximately $150 to $500 per pair.
The boots can be used on the farm, or just for fashion. Many of the women’s boots come in unique styles and colors. “I use a phrase that we are upgrading people one pair of boots at a time,” Shea said.
Some of the other products include jeans, belts, decor and gifts. The robust workwear includes popular brands like Carhartt. The chain’s second location opened inside the Olympia Sports.
Tuscan Village in Salem has brought a lot of New Hampshire firsts, including The Artisan Hotel , The Container Store , Shake Shack , Tavern in the Square and Capital Grill . Maybe more? Now, Salt & Straw is next with plans to open this summer. The name might be deceiving, but it’s an artisan ice cream maker.
This will actually be the brand’s first New England location, according to a news release. Much of the chain is out west, though the next closest locations are a pair in New York City. The new scoop shop will be at 400 Artisan Drive (Building 1060) in between Tuscan Market and Capital Grill.
The smaller shops in the center of Via Toscana and Artisan Drive are known as jewel buildings in the sprawling mixed-use development. The brand has reimagined “what ice cream can be — using it as a canvas for storytelling, community collaboration, and culinary exploration,” according to a news release. Some imaginative original flavors include strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper.
Best sellers include chocolate gooey brownie; salted, malted chocolate chip cookie dough; and sea salt with caramel ribbons. Falafel, anyone? A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant chain is coming to Nashua. Cava is set to open in a new plaza at 350 Amherst St.
, which is also home to Evviva Trattoria Italian restaurant. The plaza is located at the spot of the former Grand Buffet. Cava, a “category-defining” Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, is known for its bowls, pitas, dips and dressings.
The chain aims to help people “eat well and live well,” according to a news release. The chain opened 58 “net new” restaurants in 2024. So far, 12 have opened nationwide.
The closest one to New Hampshire right now is in Chelmsford, Mass., according to its website. This appears to be the first one slated for New Hampshire.
Further south in the Gate City, Nordstrom Rack is set to open its first New Hampshire location at Royal Ridge Center in time to show off the latest spring trends inside the 30,000-square-foot store. Nordstrom Rack is the off-brand sister to its luxury department store chain. Brands include Vince, Marc Jacobs, Frame, Nike, Rag & Bone and more.
The store will hold a grand opening from 3 to 4 p.m. April 22.
The grand opening will include up to 70% off on apparel, accessories and shoes “for the whole family.” I usually don’t write about banks, but this one fits the bill. Maine-based Machias Savings Bank plans to open its first New Hampshire location at 900 Elm St.
in Manchester — aka City Hall Plaza. The new office will focus on business banking services. The bank is expected to hire six or more full-time workers.
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