TimesLeader.com

June 26
Shopping

Customer Service

Above, from left, Erin Tully, Sanderson Place manicurist (the salon won the Nail Salon category), Steven Russell, Sanderson Place stylist (runner-up in the Hair Stylist category) and Joann Cummings, Sanderson Place owner.

Above, Chip and Julie Bunnell of Bunnell Hardware Co., winner in the Hardware Store category.

Times Leader Photo Store

Winner: Waverly General Store, 1201 N. Abington Road, Waverly, 586-1821, www.waverlygeneralstore.com. Partner Lisa Farrell of Dalton attributes her success to “our great customers and our wonderful team at the store.” The store’s four employees go out of their way to help customers and be friendly. “The atmosphere is happy and bright,” Farrell said. “You want someone to say hello. I ask my staff to do what’s natural and that sets us apart.” Waverly General Store, which has been open for just under four years, offers products including Crane Stationery, linens, pewter, pottery, blown glass, silver jewelry, lavender spa products, Rance soaps and fragrances, KEEN shoes and children’s gifts.

Other awards: Winner, Store for Unique Gifts, Place for Accessories and Store for Home Decor

Runner up: Ambience Wallcovering, 400 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 587-0944. Owner Dana J. Oliver says she aims to please, specializing in wallpaper, area rugs, window shades and fabrics. Her store, which has been open for two years, offers 240 books of wallpaper samples for customers to browse at their leisure. “Customers can come in and sit down for hours if they want to and come back as many times as they want,” said Oliver, a Springville resident.

New Business

Winner: Monogram Muse, 120 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 585-0772, www.monogrammuse.com. Francene Pisano Dudziec opened her gift shop, which she calls an “alphabet boutique,” at the end of November. She loves giving people presents and says that a personalized gift is extra special. “Be a great gift-giver, even to yourself.” Pisano Dudziec said customers sometimes ask why she chose Clarks Summit for the store’s location. “Clarks Summit is the ideal place for Monogram Muse because the area has such respect for tradition and nostalgia while at the same time enjoying fresh, creative ideas.”

Runner up: Versailles, 312 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 587-5212, www.versailleshome.com. Versailles, owned by Lisa Sniegocki of Waverly, opened in September. She says her success stems from hard work and great employees. The store offers home d�cor, kitchenware, china, furniture, lamps, pillows, linens, candles, baby gifts and bridal registries. Sniegocki said that customers are often pleasantly surprised by how much furniture is available inside the store.

Other awards: Runner up, Store for Home D�cor

Auto Sales

Winner: Clarks Summit Chevrolet, 927 N. State St., Clarks Summit, (888) 221-2729, www.clarkssummitchevy.com.This is the second year in a row that Clarks Summit Chevrolet won the Auto Sales category. General Manager James Knauss said that’s because the business “exceeds customers’ expectations on all levels.” The dealership, which is owned by the Rosado Group and headed by President William Rosado, offers buyers a lifetime of free tires and Pennsylvania inspections.

Runner up: Cars Are Us, 701 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-7177, www.carsareuspa.com.

Store for Unique Gifts

Winner: Waverly General Store

Runner up: Everything Natural, 426 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-9684, www.everythingnaturalpa.com. Owner’s name: Barry Kaplan, who owns the store with Donna Kaplan and Michele Cooper, said the store is “constantly evolving.” In the past, its focus was on natural foods and products. Though that continues to be a large part of the business, environmentalism is now a focal point. The store sells goods that support its mission of “healthier living for our bodies and environment” such as earth-friendly cleaning products, a new jewelry line made from recycled items such as silver spoons and beverage bottles and books that show readers how to reduce their carbon footprint. “People look to us as a resource. We’re not just tree-huggers anymore, we’re respected citizens,” Kaplan said.

Other awards: Winner, Natural Foods. Runner up, Place for Accessories

Place to Buy a Greeting Card

Winner: Lynn’s Hallmark, 1000 State St., Clarks Summit, 586-9449.

Runner up: Dollar Bazaar, 1144 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, 585-0789. At Dollar Bazaar, which is owned by Jason Slottje, all greeting cards are two for a dollar.

Grocery Store

Winner: Weis Market, 1020 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, 587-2781, www.weis.com. Jason Scholz, a manager at the store, said his location has “phenomenal customers.” Staff members at the location, which is led by store manager Bill Briganti, will special-order items for customers and “try and do whatever we can for them,” Scholz said.

Other awards: Winner, Best Pharmacy

Runner up: Gerrity’s Market, 100 Old Lackawanna Trail Road, Clarks Summit, 587-3800, www.gerritys.com. Owner Joyce Fasula said she stresses to homemade items and meals that can be taken home and served. “We have a chef in every store who does meals that are prepared daily.”

Men’s Clothing Store

Winner: Diane Augustine European Fashion, 320 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 587-2559.

Runner up: Friedman’s Men’s Clothing Store, 220 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, 343-1759.

Women’s Clothing Store

Winner: Benetton, 324 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-6208, www.benetton.com. Owner Dominica DeNaples of Moscow said her store, which also includes Lee’s Denim Diner, features “colorful and very fun” clothes from children’s size 2T to women’s size 12. The closest stores that sell Benetton are located in Pittsburgh, New York and Washington, D.C. “We get a lot of people from upstate New York looking for Benetton clothes,” she said. Lee’s Denim Diner carries jeans in many different sizes. DeNaples promises that if customers give her 45 minutes, she’ll find them a pair of jeans that will fit them perfectly.

Other awards: Winner, Children’s Clothing Store

Runner up: Talbot’s, 501 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-3605, www.talbots.com.

Children’s Clothing Store

Winner: Benetton

Runner up: Giggles, 115 E. Grove St., Clarks Summit, 587-2131.

Place for Accessories

Winner: Waverly General Store

Runner up: Everything Natural

Seasonal Store

Winner: Corky’s Garden Path, 1312 Justus Blvd., Justus, 586-9563, www.corkysgardenpath.com. In 1970, Edward “Corky” Kashuba restarted his grandfather’s business. For more than 25 years, he and his family have expanded the operation, adding a gift shop and happily “bending over backwards” for their customers. Kashuba said his store has the largest assortment of plants and shrubs in the area, sold at a reasonable price, and a complete selection of lawn and garden products. In addition, his knowledgeable staff can help customers with questions with two master gardeners on staff.

Other awards: Winner, Garden Shop

Runner up: Rave’s Ski Loft and Patio

Garden Shop

Winner: Corky’s Garden Path, 1312 Justus Blvd., Justus, 586-9563, www.corkysgardenpath.com. Other awards: Winner, Seasonal Store

Runner up: Greystone Gardens, 829 Old State Road, Clarks Summit, 586-5493, www.greystoneg.com.

Smoke Shop

Winner: Connolly’s Smoke Shop, 501 Northern Blvd., Chinchilla, 587-3751. Owner Beryl Connolly said she and her late husband, John, started the smoke shop in 1981 in the same building as John’s longtime barbershop. Though the barbershop is no longer in operation, Mrs. Connolly continues to sell custom, freshly blended tobaccos in a myriad of flavors including cherry spice, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and tropical fruit. Many of the flavors are named after family and friends. Mrs. Connolly also sells pipes, cigars and other smoking products.

Runner up: Summit Cigar, 801 Old State Road, Clarks Summit, 586-8772.

Natural Foods

Winner: Everything Natural

Runner up: Miller’s Orchards Farm Market Inc., 1515 Fairview Road, Clarks Summit, 587-3399, www.millersorchard.com.

Toys

Winner: Golden Goose Toy Store, 100 Lackawanna Trail Road, Clarks Summit, 587-0283. Owner Stacie Rechlicz said her store, which carries only toys, is celebrating its 10th year in operation in June. She calls upon her experience as a parent to select toys that will become children’s favorites and not toys that will be played with only once. Although the toys at Golden Goose may be more expensive than those found at other toy stores, their high quality makes them a better value, Rechlicz said. “We carry toys that do something more than just light up or make a sound.”

Runner up: Kids Quality Consignment, 606 N. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-4020.

Hardware Store

Winner: Bunnell Hardware Co., 306 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-9446. Have a question about fixing your bathroom sink or another household project? Bunnell Hardware Co. owner Chip Bunnell of Tunkhannock says he can help. “We try and take care of our customers,” he said. “We are a full-service hardware store.” Bunnell said the store carries just about anything that a customer would need but if someone wants a product that isn’t available in the store, he or his daughter Julie can order it. The store also offers key-making and tool repairs.

Runner up: Dalton Lumber Do-it Center, Routes 6 and 11, Dalton, 563-1193.

Other awards: Runner up, Home Improvement Services

Antique Shop

Winner: Mike’s Collectibles, 586-1229. Owner Mike Dargatis of Clarks Summit sells primarily on eBay through the name “mikes-deals” and meets with customers who want him to sell items on consignment. E-mail him at mikescollectibles@comcast.net.

Runner up: Carriage Barn, 1550 Fairview Road, Clarks Summit, 587-5405, www.carriagebarnantiques.com.

Store for Home Decor

Winner: Waverly General Store

Runner up: Versailles

Consignment Shop

Winner: The Waverly Women’s Club Attic Shop, Waverly Community House, lower level, 1115 N. Abington Road, Waverly, 586-5991. Attic shop organizers said, “Many thanks to all the volunteers and also to the readers and voters of the Abington Journal for awarding us best consignment shop of the Abingtons.” During the May 2, 3 and 4 sales, all items will be half-price and on May 7, everything will be $1. All proceeds are donated to charity.

Runner up: Recycled Once and Again Inc., 200 W. Main St., Dalton, 563-3056.

Furniture

Winner: Steier’s Amish Country Store, 206 Depot St., Clarks Summit, 586-5103.

Runner up: A Fusion in Design Cabinetry by Gleason, 715 N. State St., Suite B, Clarks Summit, 585-4211.

Home Improvement Services

Winner: Arendt’s Outdoor Service, Scott Township, 563-1128, www.arendtsoutdoorservices.com. Owner Tim Arendt said his landscaping business has been in operation for 18 years. His staff specializes in designing patios, outdoor lighting and water features and offers full-service grounds maintenance. “We really value our staff,” Arendt said. “They are well-trained and professional. And we have clientele who give us the opportunity to bring out our creativity and expertise on their properties.”

Runner up: Dalton Lumber Do-it Center

Travel Agency

Winner: Abington Travel, Village Square Plaza, 535 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-1666, www.abingtontravel.com. Manager Ylva Hellstrand said the six agents in the office have “experience and knowledge” and focus on “customer service and dependability” – all key aspects of being successful travel agents. The office offers standard travel services in addition to leisure cruises, corporate travel and destination weddings.

Runner up: Trans World Travel Ltd., 506 Highland Ave., Clarks Summit, 344-9784, www.transworldtravelltd.com.

Bank

Winner: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank, 1311 Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit, 586-3212, www.bankatfidelity.com. Branch Manager Ellen Kanton of Lake Sheridan said her staff takes excellent care of its customers.

Runner up: PNC Bank, 920 Northern Blvd., Chinchilla, 586-2323

Florist

Winner: White’s Country Floral, 515 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-2505, www.whitescountryfloral.com. After 30 years in business, White’s continues to “strive for quality and customer satisfaction,” said owner Jennifer White. The shop offers flowers for funerals and weddings in addition to silk flowers and houseplants. “We strive to have things little bit more unusual and different. We really do try to be as friendly as we can. We appreciate our customers.”

Runner up: McCarthy Flowers, 100 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, http://mccarthyflowers.com/

Jeweler

Winner: James Simrell Designs, 112 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit, 586-5355. Owner James Simrell said his best asset is “being honest with customers and my creativity. My strong point is being able to read what the customer is looking for.” Simrell, who owns the shop with his wife, Kathleen, specializes in custom jewelry. This is the second year that the shop won the Jeweler category. “All of my pieces are one-of-a-kind pieces. After all these years of making jewelry, it keeps getting better and better.”

Runner up: Jewelry Room, 336 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-9009.

Pharmacy

Winner: Weis Market Pharmacy

Runner up: CVS, 100 S. Abington Road, Clarks Green, 586-5585.

Day spa

Winner: TLC Nail Studio & Day Spa, 203 Greenwood Ave., Clarks Summit, 586-0586

Other awards: Runner up, Nail Salon

Runner up: Utopia Spa and Wellness Inc., 115 N. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-4023

Nail Salon

Winner: Sanderson State Street, 509 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-0592, www.sandersonstatestreet.com.

Other awards: Winner, Hair Salon

Runner up: TLC Nail Studio & Day Spa

Hair Salon

Winner: Sanderson State Street, 509 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 586-0592, www.sandersonstatestreet.com.

Runner up: Studio RD, 415 S. State St., Clarks Summit, 587-8689, www.studiord.net.

Other awards: Runner up, Place for a Man’s Haircut

Place for a Man’s Haircut

Winner: Jake’s Barber Shop, Northern Boulevard, Chinchilla, 587-5795. Owner Jake Palmieri said he runs a traditional barbershop with a barber’s chair and pole. After 35 years, he’s still a one-man operation but don’t get the wrong idea -- he serves clients of all ages. “We do spikes, bowl cuts. …There are not just old men here. We get a lot of kids.”

Runner up: Studio RD

Hair Stylist

Winner: Ashley Ferrett, Studio RD, Ferrett, who only works at Studio RD’s Clarks Summit location on Saturdays, said she loves her work. “The people I meet here are fantastic,” she said. “I love it here. I don’t even feel like I’m at work.” Ferrett of Old Forge said she does haircuts and hair color, which she enjoys the most. “I like to be creative.”

Runner up: Steven Russell, Sanderson State Street, Russell said he’s been at Sanderson Place for 17 years and does haircuts, color consultations and has been doing more makeup applications lately. “I love giving someone a new look,” he said. In addition to his work as a stylist, Russell is the salon’s educator, helping new stylists and ensuring that long-time staff members receive cutting-edge training.