03/10/2025
So thrilled to be nominated and in such good company.
Congratulations to all of our Celebrate Salem Award nominees! Over the next week+, we will be posting the bios for each of our nominee categories, highlighting the great businesses, non-profits, and people who make the magic happen. Be sure to vote by March 23rd! Link is in the comments below.
First up is our 2024 Excellence in Retailing Award which showcases the outstanding achievements of Salem retailers and will be awarded to the retailer that applies superior knowledge, creativity, and industry know-how to develop innovative strategies, and contributes to the growth of the Salem retail sector. The nominees are:
Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe & Tours
Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe & Tours is owned and operated by Lara and Daniel Fury. Together they have nearly 30 years of experience as historical guides. They opened The Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe as a combination shop and museum, displaying artifacts and curiosities from history, film and television, and Salem's own intriguing past.
Die With Your Boots On
Die With Your Boots On is designed to keep members of the heavy metal, gothic, and punk subculture clothed as black as their hearts. Die With Your Boots On provides attire that has only been available on-line until now, with an emphasis on small business, lesser known and underground artists, and locally made products.
Harrison's Comics & Pop Culture
Named after owner Lawrence Harrison, Harrison's Comics has called Salem home almost 30 years. Harrison’s is dedicated to all things pop culture and has over 8,000 sq ft of collections to choose from. Harrison’s is one of New England’s largest stores of its kind, and specializes in comics, cards, toys and tabletop gaming.
Starbird Salem
Elizabeth Childs is the owner of Starbird Cannabis Co., an independent, woman-owned, woman-run dispensary. Starbird offers the finest, responsibly sourced cannabis products, and is committed to banishing the old stereotypes of the cannabis culture and leaning into a future in which high-quality craft cannabis is the standard on the North Shore.
Timeless Life Treasures
Owned by Kathleen Spagnolo, Timeless Life Treasures specializes in conflict-free fine and fashion jewelry, custom design, rare collector coins and currency and a very heartwarming curated line of handmade sentimental giftware. Timeless Life Treasures offers a full range of services, including engraving, pearl restringing, jewelry and watch repairs as well as appraisals.
Trolley Depot
Trolley Deport celebrates over 30 years in business and is a unique, pet-friendly gift shop, offering quality gifts and souvenirs right in downtown Salem. Trolley Depot specializes in Jim Shore figurines, Byers’ Choice dolls, Old World Christmas ornaments, Halloween collectibles, Fun Socks and Scarves, and books on Salem History.
A downtown staple since 1991, we are one of Salem's best known gift shops. A Strange Little Store in
