Sense of Wonder Opens Its Doors to Andover

27 Main Street, quietly opened Labor Day Weekend, said co-owner Jean Smith. 

The store, which had been previously located at the Eaglewood Shops, in North Andover since 2006, moved to Andover. One of two locations, the other store is in Reading Square.

“We really like the Andover downtown area,” explained Smith who co-owns the shop with her husband Jay.

The Smiths, who live in Winchester, opened their first Sense of Wonder store in Reading in 1995. They have since moved the Reading store twice, even closed it, but reopened at 2 Haven Street, last November.

Describing it as, “a wicked cool store,” Sense of Wonder is an eclectic gift, art, jewelry and accessory store all rolled into one, according to Smith.

She said that customers can find unique wedding, baby and personal gifts, as well as unusual and items for the home and themselves.

Most items are handmade by artisans in the United States. Smith explained that the most popular is the Simon Pearce crystal made in Vermont. Other craftspeople and designers carried by the store include Mariposa serveware, Harvey bags, made from seat belt material, Yardbirds sculptures, Peggy Russell painted scarfs and pocketbooks, Paperlight wall hangings, as well as jewelry from an array of artists. 

Smith also carries a small, but growing display of Judaica; menorahs, mezuzahs and Tzedakah boxes by artist Gary Rosenthal. "The Tzedakah Boxes are a popular Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift because of the price point," she explained.

Smith said they are the only store downtown to carry greeting cards other than CVS. They also offer free gift wrapping.

"I have fun buying what I like, and what others would like," she explained. That was the case with the new Chagnon jewelry line which Smith found when looking for a bracelet for herself.

While the new store layout is similar to North Andover, it looks bigger and brighter, said Smith. The windows in the front are floor to ceiling, and they were able to build out an office, dressing rooms and storage, she explained.

Although it was a soft opening, the Smiths will be making a big push this Fall, with advertisements in the local papers.

She said they will also be holding their annual PJ and Bathrobe drive for Lazarus House, where customers can donate new slippers, and sleepwear. This year, they plan to combine an open house with the kickoff for the drive. The evening will be held in conjunction with Andover's Holiday Happening Stroll, usually the first Friday in December, she explained.

While most of her customers are women between 30-60 years old, Smith is seeing more men coming in who are familiar with the artists. She also credits the on-the-street downtown location.

"We really like it here," she said. "The feel of the store is vibrant, and has been noticed by both customers and employees," she explained.

The hours are Mon,Tues,Wed,Fri,Sat, 10am-5pm and Thursday, 10am-7pm. Currently closed on Sundays, Sense of Wonder may open Sundays during the holiday shopping season.

The phone number is 978-475-5544, or check out the website and for gift ideas, information and their blog.