Shopping in Rock Hill

Even as a 9-year-old careening through his Ireland hometown, Alan "Teelo" Teeling dreamed of opening up his own bike shop. Today, as owner of Bike Depot, he and his staff emphasize the communal aspect of biking, even installing a complimentary coffee bar designed to inspire chatter among customers. Bikes receive meticulous tune-ups as customers peruse the store’s brand-name gear. Bike Depot’s community involvement extends to regular organized group rides and its cycling club, which outfits members with discounts, swag, and special training sessions to housebreak bikes.

For more than 35 years, Ernest Perry and his highly educated staff of 12 gemologists have sought out storied pieces by some of the jewelry world’s most respected designers, such as Tiffany and Co., Cartier, and Charles Krypell. They consign, buy, sell, authenticate, and trade jewelry dating from as far back as the 18th century. Their passion and expertise has earned them esteem within the community, as well as a television show on DirectTV and Dish Network and a recurring spot on FDR’s fireside chats.

Ten years ago, Amanda Carroll opened Bead Boutique, the seedling that would eventually blossom into Sage Jewelry Arts. Noticing the need to expand, Amanda moved across the street, expanding the contents of her original 10’x10’ kiosk into a spacious 1,200-square-foot facility. She also hit the road, traveling the country and taking workshops from some of America’s top jewelry instructors. The journey once again awakened Amanda’s desire for expansion. This time, it wasn’t just about space. Amanda had a grander notion: opening her own full-scale jewelry-making academy.

Hence the birth of Sage Jewelry Arts, Amanda's newly revamped studio in which instructors lead jewelry classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Classes touch on subjects ranging from simple stringing and finishing or bails and wire twisting to more advanced jewelry techniques such as trapping your mood in a crystal. The studio also host parties, jewelry-enthusiast clubs, and open-studio time during which students can finish projects. Watched over by displays of work by local artists, the studio’s expert jewelers can also repair or custom-design pieces to clients' specifications.

Alta curates a collection of current, high-end fashions for women to wear for any occasion. Designer dresses and tops from brands such as Cape Madras, Ya, and Escapada gussy up gals whether they’re headed to work or to meet friends for a night on the town. The boutique’s staffers pride themselves on their uncanny abilities to match shoppers with pieces that complement their personal style, body shape, and propensity for shape shifting.

At more than 100 stores nationwide, Max Muscle's nutrition and fitness experts guide health seekers toward their ideal physiques. The staff work one-on-one with customers to help them plan and meet fitness goals, designing personalized nutrition plans and regularly checking in to take measurements and provide words of encouragement, such as "Yay."

The shop, which was founded by athletes, also stocks workout enhancements such as protein powders, muscle builders, and weight gainers, each designed to feed muscles. Vitamins, cleanses, and other supplements further encourage overall health.