Best Place to Buy Men’s Apparel
Daniel’s of Morgantown
Keeping Morgantown gentlemen sharp and sophisticated since 1963, Daniel’s has pieces for every occasion: job interviews, date nights, weddings, and beyond. Daniel’s also sells shoes, sweaters, belts, and ties, as well as women’s wear—and it has a proprietary line of WVU game day apparel and a State Pride line. 2908 University Avenue, 304.296.7202, danielsofmorgantown.com, @danielsofmorgantown
Best Pawn Shop
Cashland Pawn
Pawning a belonging can be a spring cleaning relief or a last resort for much-needed cash. Cashland Pawn understands that and treats all of its clients with heart. Check here first when you’re looking for jewelry, musical instruments, guns and knives, and other investment purchases, many of which you won’t find elsewhere in town. 530 Brockway Avenue, 304.296.3970, cashlandpawnshop.com, @cashlandpawn
Best Place to Buy Health Food
Mountain People’s Co-op
The Mountain People’s Co-op packs a surprisingly large array of produce, groceries, and refrigerated and frozen products into its downtown storefront. Its bulk goods shelves hold a big selection of the best-priced herbs and spices in town. Enjoy the locally made products, in-house all-vegan kitchen, and occasional classes in skills like starting sourdough or making fire cider—along with member discounts. 131 Pleasant Street, 304.291.6131, mountainpeoplescoop.com, @mountainpeoplescoop
Best Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
Little is more relaxing than settling into a book with a warm cup of coffee or tea. At Barnes & Noble, that’s part of the experience. Comfy chairs hide amongst bookshelves, and the in-house Starbucks means a hot beverage is only a few steps away. Grab the latest novel, or sit down and write your own. The store also sells movies, music, magazines, toys and games, textbooks, and literary supplies. 2814 University Town Centre Drive, 304.599.1294, barnesandnoble.com
Best Local Pet Store
Exotic Jungle Pet Superstore
Your fluffy, feathered, or scaled friend is a part of your family. Why not go to a pet shop that treats beloved critters that way? Exotic Jungle has served Morgantown humans and animals since 1985. Playful parakeets, fuzzy bunnies, and purring cats keep the store lively. Customers can browse the wide collection of pet products, and staff are always happy to offer their expertise about proper care or to assist with adoption—it’s all part of taking care of the family. 1716 Mileground Road, 304.296.8552, “Exotic Jungle Pet Superstore”
Best Place to Buy a Wedding Dress
The Vow Boutique
Kristen DeMedici always wanted to own a bridal shop—when she was young, she made wedding gowns for her dog. She opened The Vow in 2013 and hasn’t looked back.
One of DeMedici’s favorite aspects of the bridal business is the way providing such a meaningful service connects her and her small staff with their brides’ families and friends. “Brides have to order their dresses six to eight months out, so we work with them for a long time and get to know them on a personal level,” she says. “We just celebrated five years, and now we’re getting the sisters of the brides and the former bridesmaids of the brides.”
The Vow is the exclusive vendor in West Virginia for Hayley Paige, Blush by Hayley Paige, and Essence of Australia. Here are some trends DeMedici is seeing for 2019:
-A romantic halter illusion neckline
-Bridal gowns with more color
-Detachable skirts for coordinated but more comfortable reception attire
-A ballgown comeback
A bride-to-be can always walk in and browse the extensive selection of gowns at The Vow, or, better, she can schedule a free 1½-hour appointment for herself and up to four guests. But for the ultimate experience, DeMedici recommends The Vow’s Diamond Bridal Party—a three-hour private shopping appointment after store hours for up to five people. The Diamond Bridal Party includes catered hors d’oeuvres and champagne, plus promotions from local businesses and the services of two stylists. It’s a fun and memorable part of wedding preparations.
No matter how she goes about her purchase, a Vow bride will have stylists available for consultation right up through the time of her wedding. 4 Suburban Court, 304.291.7333, thevowwv.com, @thevowboutique
Close runner-up – Coni & Franc
422 High Street, 304.296.9466, coniandfranc.net, @conifranc
Best Place to Buy Shoes
The Shoe Story
Figuring out the right fit for your feet doesn’t have to be frustrating. At The Shoe Story, kids and adults alike can get measured and fitted for a new pair of kicks. Choose from Birkenstock, UGG, Crocs, and other name brand footwear that treats your feet right. 751 Chestnut Ridge Road, 304.599.7443; 114 Emily Drive, Clarksburg, 304.622.4434; theshoestory.net, “The Shoe Story”
Best Place to Buy Kids’ Apparel
Once Upon a Child
Gently used name brands for less means a lot when you’re outfitting growing kids. Once Upon a Child buys and sells baby gear, clothing, shoes, toys, and even furniture to keep your kids and their bedrooms and playrooms in style. 7100 Willie G Avenue, Westover, 304.322.2446, onceuponachildmorgantown.com, @onceuponanchildmorgantown
Best Second-Hand Clothing Store
Plato’s Closet
New-to-you, on-trend clothing for preteens and young adults at 50 to 70 percent off retail—plus scarves, bags, and other accessories. Sell it back when you’re ready to browse for something else. 6504 Mall Road, 304.983.6020, platosclosetmorgantown.com, @platosclosetmorgantownwv
Best Place to Buy Women’s Apparel
T.J. MAXX
Being trendy doesn’t have to be expensive. T.J. Maxx offers a continually refreshed selection of brand name and designer fashions at prices up to 60 percent lower than traditional retailers. No fancy apps, coupons, or sales necessary. 4041 University Town Centre Drive, 304.599.1261, tjmaxx.com
Best Furniture Store
Chuck’s Furniture & Mattress
Three generations work with longtime employees at Chuck’s Furniture to bring Morgantown more than 100,000 square feet of high-quality furnishings. Outfitting a student apartment? Check out Chuck’s adjacent PAC 5 showroom for stylish products in a lower price range. 77 Lawless Road, 304.292.7621, chucksfurniture.com, @chucksfurniturewvu
Best Second-Hand Furniture Store
Unique Consignment
Star City native Dominick Claudio started Unique Consignment in 2012 to specialize in contemporary, gently used furniture, home goods, and collectibles for every room and budget. The showroom displays furniture and decor as you might in your own home. Or consider selling pieces you’re ready to let go—the convenient location, frequent showings by local artists, and active Facebook presence make for quick turnover. 3438 University Ave, Star City, 304.598.5656, @uniqueconsignment3506
Best Local Recreation Store
Pathfinder
Pathfinder has been the state’s largest independent outdoor retailer for over four decades but, more importantly, for all four seasons.
Spring: Hike our state’s beautiful hills clad in a new Patagonia jacket.
Summer: Hop in the river with sleek kayaking gear.
Fall: Looking for a cool way to beat traffic? Check out the store’s skateboard section.
Winter: Pathfinder’s ski and snowboard service will get your gear slope-ready. 35 High Street, 304.296.0076, pathfinderwv.com, @pathfinderwv
Best Gift Shop
The Elegant Alley Cat
Need a one-of-a-kind gift? The Elegant Alley Cat features West Virginia– and Morgantown-themed merchandise, artwork, jewelry, and decor. No matter the season or occasion, The Elegant Alley Cat has the perfect present. Just don’t be surprised if you leave the shop with a treat for yourself as well. 358 High Street, 304.292.4433, elegantalleycat.com, @elegantalleycat
Best Jewelry Store
Jacqueline’s Fine Jewelry
Check out Jacqueline’s website to learn about diamond basics and browse the extensive inventory. Then visit the shop, where an enthusiastic and expert staff will help you choose just the right piece—or work with you to create your own unique custom piece. 1070 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, 304.599.6981, jacquelinesfinejewelry.com @jacquelineswv
Best Grocery Store
Kroger
Kroger remains BOM voters’ No. 1 with a recent major remodel at Suncrest Towne Centre, including an expanded wine selection and an in-store Starbucks. The brand is increasing convenience for all kinds of shoppers, too: the Suncrest Towne Centre and Sabraton locations offer both the Kroger Pickup online ordering and curbside pickup and the Scan, Bag, Go service, and Kroger’s Ship ship-to-home service is available everywhere. 1851 Earl Core Road, 304.296.7146; 350 Patteson Drive, 304.599.5324; 500 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, 304.285.6780; kroger.com