Shopping in Hamilton

Like a pep rally full of mannequins, Flyer Spirit sports an everlasting display of school pride, drenched in University of Dayton red and blue. The school’s colors, insignia, and name bedeck apparel that ranges from Under Armour workout wear and hoodies by Gear to ties for alumni get-togethers and especially fancy football games. In addition to wearable UD spirit, visitors find their fill of accessories, such as oven mitts and ceramic dog dishes, as well as Greek merchandise and progenitor-pleasing parent-oriented items.

Designs by Paolo started out manufacturing specialty cases for medical professionals, but the vintage-looking doctor bags soon caught the attention of fashion-conscious consumers seeking distinctive accessories. Since then, the handbags, folios, and travel cases have graced the forearms of celebrities including socialite Paris Hilton, chef Emeril Lagasse, and guitarist Carlos Santana. Each trendy bag is handcrafted in a Cincinnati factory from high-end fabrics and leathers before gracing Designs by Paolo's unique showroom, where colorful carry-alls line shelves as far as the eyes or sentient binoculars can see.

For over 40 years, family-owned Row House Gallery and Custom Framing's highly-experienced staff has hosted art, prints, and a wide variety of framing services. Customers can peruse original works or seek out preservation framing—a house specialty—for things such as family photos, diplomas, or even wedding dresses. All told, the gallery and frame shop boasts over 1,500 types of frame moulding.

The staffers at Special Occasions Party Supply weave art out of air. Their balloon decorations spiral into multicolored columns, bend into archways, and form hanging hearts to garnish events ranging from birthday celebrations to bridal and baby showers. The family-owned business also outfits reception areas with tulle and matching tableware, sprucing up the setting to befit any celebration.

Decorating services are only one facet of their job, however. When they aren't prepping dance halls, they guide independent party planners through the shelves of their two supply stores. Batman- and Disney-princess-themed favors are on hand to charm children, Halloween costumes can conceal identities, and more than 38 solid colors of plates and napkins set attractive schemes. The bouquets of high-grade helium balloons are guaranteed to hover for at least five days. Patrons can also rent helium tanks with do-it-yourself balloon kits, which come with ribbons for each balloon and instructions for knitting sky-size safety nets.

For nearly a decade, Camargo Trading Company owner Meggan Sulfsted has sought out designer jewelry, hand-poured candles, and other little luxuries that infuse a home or an outfit with personal style. But she isn’t only shopping for herself—she stocks these items in her boutique, which she operates out of a charming, multi-storied structure in Madeira. There, shoppers can take a look at the store’s aromatic bath products and its Longchamp and Botkier handbags, then decide whether they should buy something for themselves or get a gift for their future alter-egos. They can also find plush toys, chenille blankets, and children’s clothing.

Tennis Zone's staff of tennis players, coaches, and experts equips customers for slam-filled showdowns with tennis apparel and equipment from brands such as Adidas, Babolat, and Nike. The staff helps competitors of all ages speed up their stroke with lightweight Tecnifibre racquets and increase court cred with polos from Adidas and feather skorts by adizero. They can also point customers toward specialized gear, such as Wilson backpacks designed with dedicated compartments for racquets, balls, and thank-you notes for ball boys.