We approach the new year with momentum and optimism built upon three previous years of growth and success in our business district.  

A wave of new businesses came to Chestnut Hill in 2024 – ten shops, galleries, service providers and a retail meat and seafood provider opened their doors in our shopping corridor. The newness buttresses our existing businesses.

Here's the roster of the businesses we welcomed in 2024:

50 Watts Books – 15 W Highland Ave. A unique independent bookstore with a focus on visually striking and unusual books from around the world.

Ask Aliesh, Skin Care Studio – 92 Bethlehem Pike. Effective, holistic and inclusive professional skin care tailored to meet the needs of every skin.

Ennulat Art & Design – 8433 Germantown Ave. Artist Emily Ennulat-Lustine transforms her own nature-inspired designs into wall art, fashion and home textiles, and desktop accessories.

iZnew, Career Idea Shop – 8438 Germantown Ave. Assessment of and advice about your intelligences, attributes and motivators to help you make informed decisions about your life transitions.

Jennifer's Leaf, Yoga and Wellness Studio - 8135 Germantown Ave. Gentle yoga, chair yoga and Kripalu yoga in a non-judgmental setting with a focus on healing. 

Kumon Math and Reading Center - 7630 Germantown Ave. An after-school academic enrichment program emphasizing individualized learning.

Jessie Tristan Read Art Gallery – 8012 Germantown Ave. A studio/gallery where this artist creates and sells her colorful abstract works.

KP's Fine Meats – Market at the Fareway, 8221 Germantown Ave. Stellar meat and incredible seafood brought to you by owner and head butcher, Kevin Penney.

Michelle Gage Interiors – 14 E Hartwell Lane. A boutique interior design firm specializing in delighting clients with one-of-a-kind designs and quality furnishings from their collection of curated sources.

Peanutbutter Gallery – 8042 Germantown Ave. A contemporary handmade craft gallery.

And two existing shops made big changes. Having outgrown their existing space in Chestnut Hill after five years, Kimberly James Bridal relocated their bridal boutique to 8333 Germantown Ave, opening the new shop in May. And in November, Georgia and Susanna Forjohn cut the ribbon on their rebranded and renovated boutique at 8437 Germantown Ave, transforming Quelque Chose into Giraffe.

We have every reason to believe that this growth will continue in 2025. Our warm, welcoming, talented and diverse business owners; our impressive collection of quality restaurants, shops, galleries and professional and service businesses; the ongoing work of the Chestnut Hill Business District to promote and support our businesses and to make our retail corridor beautiful, clean and safe; and the continuation of our dedicated retail recruitment program all create a fertile ground for retail newcomers.

As we look ahead to 2025, it's a wonderful time to reflect on the vital role these small businesses play in our community. They are more than just shops and services; they are the heart and soul of our neighborhood. Together they add to the magic of Chestnut Hill helping to create a unique experience for visitors and residents alike.

All of our small businesses enrich our community by offering unique products and personalized services and a sense of discovery that national chains simply can't match. They support local initiatives, sponsor events and create jobs that help our neighborhood thrive. Every time we choose to shop on the Hill, we're investing in our neighbors and ensuring that our community remains vibrant and diverse.

Let's continue to shop small and support one another in the coming year.