We’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of Shop Sexy, your new go-to boutique for chic, bold, and trendy women’s fashion! Located on the first floor of The Galleria, right across from AT&T, Shop Sexy offers a curated selection of stunning dresses, stylish tops, must-have purses, and eye-catching accessories.Whether you’re looking to turn heads with a show-stopping outfit or elevate your everyday style, we’ve got you covered. With new arrivals dropping daily, there’s always something fresh and fabulous waiting for you!Come by and discover the latest trends in sexy, sophisticated fashion. Don’t forget to follow Shop Sexy LLC on Facebook to stay updated on new collections, promotions, and exclusive events.We can’t wait to see you at Shop Sexy—where confidence meets style!
Spotlight on Galleria Businesses: Gardners Candies
Iconic Pennsylvania chocolatier, Gardners Candies, has made a triumphant return to the Johnstown Galleria, marking a new chapter for both the beloved brand and the revitalized mall. Chief Operating Officer Jim Westover reports a remarkable 30% sales increase compared to their previous location, highlighting the success of this homecoming.
The store’s success has been organic from day one, with no need for extensive advertising. Westover attributes this to the mall’s strong word-of-mouth reputation and vibrant social media presence. “From day one, it was as if we never left,” he remarked.
The store, which held its grand opening on September 23, 2023, serves as more than just a retail outlet. Westover describes it as an “incubator” for testing new products, pricing strategies, and combinations before wider distribution. This approach allows Gardners to refine their offerings and expand their reach, complementing their existing partnerships with retailers like Sheetz and other national retailers.
This incubator concept offers valuable lessons for businesses primarily focused on online sales or partnerships with other retail outlets. A physical store in the Galleria provides a unique opportunity for face-to-face customer interaction, allowing companies to gather direct feedback, test new concepts, and gauge market response in real-time. Even for businesses with a strong online presence, this physical touchpoint can be instrumental in perfecting product offerings, developing new items, and understanding customer preferences.
Westover enthusiastically praises mall owner Leo Karruli’s management style, stating, “Leo’s accessibility is truly remarkable. His willingness to work with businesses and offer flexible lease options, including month-to-month arrangements, essentially eliminates risk for new ventures. It’s rare to find an owner so directly involved and supportive of tenants’ success.”
The Gardners COO emphasizes that success in the Galleria is directly tied to a store’s offering. “We invested significant time and energy into our decor to ensure our store feels like a premium outlet,” Westover explains. “For anyone considering opening a business here, it’s crucial to understand that your success depends on presenting an offering that matches the mall’s aesthetic and justifies your pricing. Simply setting up shop isn’t enough – you need to create an experience that resonates with the discerning Galleria customer.”
Employees have also expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new location, praising the mall’s decor, safety, and clientele. The new store offers a wide range of products, including their famous Original Peanut Butter Meltaways®, chocolate-covered pretzels, assorted creams, and chocolate-covered nuts. Plans are underway to reintroduce ice cream and expand their gift offerings.
Looking ahead, Gardners is gearing up for an exciting celebration of National Peanut Butter Month in November, featuring enticing giveaways for Galleria shoppers. There will be lots of giveaways with a grand prize of a year’s supply of Original Peanut Butter Meltaways® for one lucky winner, promising to draw even more foot traffic to both Gardners Candies and the Galleria.
”The Johnstown area deserves thriving businesses, and the Galleria offers a unique opportunity for success. I wholeheartedly encourage other companies to join us here – there’s no downside, especially with the holiday season approaching.” – Jim Westover, Gardners COO
Article and images by UltraSnaps
Spotlight on Galleria Businesses: UltraSnaps Studio
Beyond Conventional Photography
Located in the heart of the Johnstown Galleria, UltraSnaps Studio is redefining photography and creative services in the region. Drawing from two decades of experience in high-profile government projects, film productions, and fashion technology, owner Dave Luciew infuses UltraSnaps Studio’s offerings with his unique blend of technical and visual artistry. His expertise in composing captivating images—whether through the lens of a camera, the intricacies of 3D modeling, or the avant-garde realm of generative AI—elevates UltraSnaps beyond conventional photography, positioning the studio as a premier creative solutions provider.
Client-Centric Philosophy
“We don’t take pictures – we make pictures,” Luciew explains.“Unlike typical photographers, UltraSnaps is dedicated to creating images that transcend the ordinary.” This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the studio, from its state-of-the-art equipment to meticulous pre-production preparations. Each session is carefully planned with custom lighting setups and compositions tailored to each client. The studio even utilizes 3D simulation technology to help perfect every shot. “We’re not interested in being average or ordinary,” Luciew states. “We’re here for clients who seek the very best— who understand the value of elevated studio photography.” UltraSnaps offers a wide range of premium services, including portrait and headshot photography, commercial advertising, videography, 3D animation, and creative marketing. Check the images below or visit instagram (@ultraSnaps) to view samples of their work.
Personalized Sessions by Appointment
UltraSnaps Studio operates by appointment, ensuring each client receives their undivided attention. To inquire or schedule a session, visit ultrasnaps.com or call directly. Curious visitors and like-minded individuals are welcome to explore the studio space during open hours, typically from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday. For those in need of professional photography, UltraSnaps offers a distinctive experience that truly embodies their tagline: Our Focus Is You®.
Our Focus Is You®
Spotlight on Galleria Businesses: Gotham City Bakery
The Johnstown Galleria Mall is thrilled to announce the opening of Gotham City Bakery in our food court area. This exciting addition brings a taste of New York City’s decadent baking tradition to Johnstown. Gotham City Bakery, formerly known as Just Jazzy Cakes 212, is a true family business spanning three generations. With roots in the Big Apple’s culinary scene, Gotham City Bakery aims to elevate the standard of baked goods in the Johnstown area. They offer custom cake making for any celebration or special occasion, as well as a delightful array of masterfully baked treats for those craving an on-the-go indulgence. “We’re excited to bring our family’s baking tradition to the Johnstown community,” says owner Evelyn Vargas. “Our goal is to provide high-quality, delicious baked goods that will make every visit to the Galleria a little bit sweeter.” Leo Karruli, owner of the Johnstown Galleria Mall, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition: “Gotham City Bakery is a perfect complement to the food court, by expanding the dining experience for our patrons. Their commitment to quality and family values also aligns perfectly with what we strive to offer at the Galleria.” We invite all our visitors to stop by Gotham City Bakery and treat themselves to New York-style baking excellence. Whether you’re in need of a custom cake for a special event or just craving a sweet pick-me-up during your next visit, Gotham City Bakery is sure to satisfy.
Images and article by UltraSnaps