A burst of new business in Wenham
The boxwood topiaries carved in the shape of Tootsie Pops in front of Viola Lovely, an apparel retailer and boutique, provide a contemporary touch to an architecturally historic area that prompted one recent store visitor to say, “I’m not sure Wenham is ready for this.”
But the response has been positive, and proprietor Lisa Cancelli said she couldn’t be happier in her new location.
“We needed a central location that could pull from around the area,” said Cancelli, who opened in September at 148 Main St. “This little section of Route 1A is a great intersection.”
The addition of a few new businesses may not be significant in many towns, but in the blink-or-you’ll-miss-it downtown Wenham, three new shops represent a turnover of about 33 percent.
The new businesses will have little effect on Wenham’s tax coffers, said Selectman John Clemenzi, but they will improve the quality of life.
“It’s going to be more vibrant,” said Clemenzi, who noted that it dovetails well with a plan to landscape the nearby Town Hall lawn, which will likely include the installation of a new war memorial to commemorate the service of local veterans. “There will be more activity because of the new businesses, and that will help it become more of a destination for people who’ll come for the museum, the Wenham Tea House, to attend church services, or go to the businesses.”
