With autumn upon us, many Beacon Hill stores are gearing up for the season.
Jack Gurnon (left) and Tom Long of Charles Street Supply.
Jack Gurnon, owner of Charles Street Supply, a hardware store located at 54 Charles St., said most of his business at this time of year comes from returning college students who typically purchase items like tool kits, picture hooks and closet and shower rods.
“Our regular customers are often returning home after their summer vacations, and they are looking for cleaning supplies,” he added.
And with the recent heat wave, Gurnon said fans and air-conditioner units are in great demand.
Alissa Eck, owner of Exclusive Jewels Gallery at 107 Charles St., said traditional pearls, which were of fashion for a long time, are now popular sellers.
The store offers free jewelry cleaning, and will check each piece for damage and wear. “After people find out that we do it, they’re always coming back,” Eck said.
Other services the store offers include repurposing jewelry to make it more contemporary, and Exclusive Jewels Gallery also buys jewelry.
Meanwhile, Rebekah Brooks Jewelry at 96 Charles St. is offering a 15-percent discount to Beacon Hill resident through Sept. 30 on all items including jewelry designed by Rebekah and one-of-and pieces. You can also visit their online shop at rebekahbrooks.com.
Red Wagon, a children’s clothing shop located at 69 Charles St., is now stocking back-to-school fashions and even children’s clothing for Halloween and Christmas.
Classic Roll Neck Sweaters – the store’s private label and its most popular item – has also expanded its to include a style adorned with the New England Patriots color-scheme.
Red Wagon also has a “sales room” that offers 50 percent off items including dresses, short-sleeved shirts and bathing suits.
Jenifer Hill, owner of Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill at 46 Charles St., said the shop will host a “pop up” featuring items from her other store, KitchenWares by Blackstones at 215 Newbury St.
“I decided rather than opening another store here to get creative and bring products to customer,” Hill said.
The first “pop up” event takes place at Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill on Thursday, Sept. 27, from 3 to 7 p.m., and will showcase items from KitchenWares’ cutlery department.
Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill is also offering free deliveries to the store from KitchenWares.
December Thieves, which sells home and lifestyle items at 88 Charles St. and fashion at its other location at 51 Charles St., stocks many items that are popular during the fall months, including a White Melamine Stacking Bowl Set.
Designed in Paris, the set contains six, separate serving bowls, each illustrated with graphic designs. When stacked, the set is 13-inches tall, but can also be nested to 5.5 inches for cupboard storage. The set retails for $170 and is available at the 88 Charles St. location and online at decemberthieves.com.
“They’re great for saving space in tiny Beacon Hill Apartments, and also make lovely wedding or housewarming gifts,” said Passage Crampton, owner of December Thieves.
Another item available at 88 Charles St. is an Australian, dyed sheepskin rug, which measures 39.5 by 23.5 inches and retails for $130.
“They work well as cozy throws for the couch or car seat covers,” Crampton said. “They’re also a great gift for those moving into new homes or apartments.”
Meanwhile, Beacon Hill Chocolates at 91 Charles St. will soon be stocking special truffles and handmade keepsake gift-boxes for Halloween, but candy is always in demand despite the time of year.