There’s lots to find in shops on East and West Middle streets

Story and photos by Lisa Carolin

Downtown Chelsea has a vast array of stores, and many of them aren’t on Main Street. Take East and West Middle Street for example, where new stores have been popping up since the summer and as recently as a month ago.

The latest addition to downtown as well as to the businesses owned by the Potting Shed, is Cut Loose Clothing, located at 105 West Middle Street. It’s in the same location where the original Potting Shed first opened 12 years ago.

“Cut Loose Clothing has casual, comfortable women’s clothing,” said Bonnie Cook, owner of the new store as well as of the Potting Shed at 112 West Middle Street (across the street) and at the 110 South Main St. location.

Also located on the south side of West Middle Street is Serendipity Books, owned by Lucy Silverio. The book store stocks new and used books ranging from history, science, mathematic and gardening books, to children’s books, mysteries and more.

“We just got some books on the history of Chelsea, which we are selling to support the Chelsea Historical Society,” said Silverio. “We are open to people coming in just to relax and sit in the back.”

A few doors down is Global Marketplace, which sells handcrafted items made by people in developing regions around the world. There are numerous bags, scarves, jewelry and much more to choose from.

“There are lots of exciting things going on off of Main Street,” said owner Kevin Frahm. “We are inviting customers to bring in five non-perishable items and they can save 10 percent. We give those items to Faith in Action and give back to the customers.”

East Middle Street has several stores to choose from and has a few buildings and businesses currently in flux.

“We will be closing for a week or two in January to renovate the store,” said Deborah Coy, owner of the Attic Boutique, located at 105 East Middle St.

She says that the store is offering many specials this time of year. The Attic sells causal clothing, accessories and jewelry.

The south side of East Middle Street includes Chelsea Village Flowers and Hair by Trios salon, along with Vintage Barn Boutique, which opened in July.

Cathy Melton owns Vintage Barn Boutique, which resells and repurposes antiques on up to modern day furniture and housewares.

“I take things that are broken, put them back together and give them new life,” said Melton.

She says that in the short time that Vintage Barn Boutique has been open, people have been coming from all over the county as well as the state to shop there.