Shopping in Wilmington

Douglas J. Lavenburg, M.D. leads a team of optometrists that oversees the welfare of patients’ eyes and vision with up-to-date optometric techniques. But their services extend beyond eye exams, vision correction, and LASIK surgery. Microdermabrasions, pulsed-light hair removal, and Botox revamp complexions, and facials sprinkled with Obagi professional skin products, keep wrinkles at bay.

Tailor Daniel Morroni III left a promising career at the head of his family insurance business to pursue a dream—mastering the ancient craft of handmaking fine suits and formalwear. After studying for years under custom clothing experts, Morroni set up shop on his own, quickly winning accolades from the local press— including Philly Hot List 2012 runner-up for Top Men's Custom Clothing —and earning the honor of designing suits for Philadelphia celebrities such as Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, Flyers legend Bernie Parent, and Eagles hometown hero Vince Papale. Morroni fits each client personally, ensuring that each dress shirt, tie, and sport coat crafted in the shop flatters figures and inspires admiring glances.

Owner Matt Neugebauer, an avid cyclist and self-proclaimed ‘bike nerd,’ brings bikes, apparel, services, and extensive biking knowledge together under one roof at Brandywine Cyclery. His staff of bike enthusiasts—which includes his brother and parents— helps customers navigate the store’s selection of Specialized, Felt, and Colnago bikes. They’ll happily answer questions about the shop’s selection of pedals, wheels, and tools, and offer sage advice on matching apparel with riding habits and weather. Customers can bring their own bikes in for a tune-up from an expert technician or utilize the Body Geometry Fit technique to adjust a bike to their exact physical specifications.

“Consignment” means the store buys directly from consumers and designers; the staff only accepts high-quality new and gently used items. Chic dresses, jackets, tops, and accessories often come with tags attached from designers including Prada, Versace, Gucci, Cole Haan, and Coach. Some recent bargains include a brand-new beaded cashmere sweater from Saks Fifth Avenue for $32 and an Ann Taylor jacket for $24. Formerly $400 prom gowns may go for $32–$42, while mint-condition Coach and Prada handbags can sell for $60–$75.

Garnering Delaware Today magazine's Best of Delaware award for Best Bargain Shopping Upstate, Designer Consigner owner Michelle Scott-Costa collects a diverse assortment of women’s apparel and accessories. Inventory includes items that initially graced the display cases of high-end designers such as Banana Republic, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, among others. Of the gently used garments brought in by her 1,200 consigners, Michelle accepts only clean, designer items free of stains and werewolf-claw marks.

At Salter's Ski Shop, the staff apply tenacity and meticulous planning to their boot fittings, collection of skis and snowboards, and tune-ups.

Salter's Ski Shop prides itself on thorough, precise boot fittings that help skiers and boarders control their balance both on the slopes and during limbo games. The staff takes dozens of measurements of each foot to determine the optimal fit. Snow-sport enthusiasts can peruse new boards from Morrow or skis from K2 and Goode, and bring in old equipment to the consignment shop, which donates proceeds to the National Ski Patrol. The shop also carries discounted lift tickets for nearby slopes, including Bear Creek, Jack Frost, and Blue Mountain.