Shopping in West Lafayette

John Searcy started his battery business out of the back of his truck in spring 1950. He opened an official storefront in 1952, naming it Interstate Battery System after the new network of interstate highways that was under construction across the country. Over the next 60 years, his company expanded to all 50 states, as well as Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. Each Interstate All Battery Center location—as well as the company's online database—houses an extensive selection of batteries for cars, electronics, household items, and computers. They also collect power sources for security systems, medical equipment, and other niche devices. Many of their batteries come with a 45-day satisfaction warranty, though it doesn’t cover batteries stolen by siblings to power their Game Boys.

Naresh Garg and his wife, Hansa, descended upon New York in 1984 with the dream of establishing their own wholesale jewelry-supply business. After relocating the business to Greenwood in the early '90s, the bead emporium now stocks its 6,000-square-foot showroom with an overwhelming bead-and-stone collection, all manufactured in Jaipur, India. Due to the high demand for his jewelry supplies, Naresh Garg now sells his 18-karat-gold chains, copper beads, diamond parts, and gemstones to buyers all across the country. The store attracts hobbyists, designers, and store owners alike, and Naresh encourages inquiries for specific products, such as just the right bit of bling for a handcrafted Flavor Flav sock puppet.

Founded in 1977, Westfield Lighting illuminates residential and commercial spaces with a diverse collection of lighting products. The company's trained staff acts as a bridge between clients and stylistic visions, helping hunt down the perfect chandelier, floor lamp, or outdoor sconce from within Westfield's spacious showroom. Beyond lighting, the store's showroom facilitates further decor updates with furniture, home accessories, and an art gallery featuring the works of emerging local artists.

The screen printers at Vardagen create a rotating selection of custom-designed and hand-printed unisex American Apparel T-shirts and seasonal ugly-sweater T-shirts that blend fashion and function for all occasions. Local artists and time-traveling Neoclassicists draw up the quirky, charismatic shirt designs, which are then brought to life on the high-quality printing press. Beyond their surface appeal, Vardagen maintains a commitment to the environment by using organic materials, water-based inks, soy-based chemicals, and eco-friendly processes whenever possible.

Beneath a royal-purple awning, gems such as diamonds, amethysts and citrines glitter from earrings and necklaces or rings wrought from silver and gold. JEM Jewellers’ trio of designers––including gemologist and owner Jan Marten––crafts custom jewelry and help clients personalize design-your-own mothers’ necklaces with gemstones to symbolize the birth months of children, grandchildren, and favorite news anchors. Pieces from brands such as Encore and Posh Mommy, as well as Indianapolis Colts–themed jewelry, round out Jan and company's sparkling collection. Marten and her team also repair faulty watch cogs and snapped jewelry clasps and appraise new and vintage baubles with expertise honed for more than 30 years in business.

Since 1979, the staff at Tiffany Lawn & Garden has outfitted residential and commercial landscapes with an array of bagged and bulk mulches, decorative stones, soils, and sands. To maintain appearances beyond worm’s-eye level, they also stock a line of outdoor-living products, such as fire pits and patio pergolas, along with understated retaining-wall blocks and a slew of landscaping tools and equipment. In addition to beautifying outdoor spaces, Tiffany Lawn & Garden supports charitable organizations, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Wee Gnome Scouts.