As 2024 comes to a close, we can reflect on all of the exciting new businesses that have presented themselves in the Lower Merion community. These establishments have helped the area flourish, offering products and services that have consistently satisfied residents. Countless Main Line residents have found themselves engaging, buying, eating at, or even working at one, or many, of the new businesses in the area. The majority of these new and upcoming businesses have not only been a great addition for the residents of the community in terms of necessity, but also convenience. These businesses will continue to aid the Lower Merion community in ways greater than just supplying products, but also bringing together a group of people to enjoy themselves.
These new businesses vary in many ways, ranging from new popular clothing stores, to delicious, sophisticated restaurants, to aesthetic, wholesome bakeries, to even charming ice cream parlors. There have been multiple trendy clothing stores emerging, at least two new ice cream shops, countless fresh restaurants, a handful of quaint breakfast places, and marketplaces as well! All of the new businesses were evaluated by the Lower Merion community, with varying degrees of success, based on the culture, environment, location, cleanliness, and much more.
Two key clothing stores have emerged within the Main Line area, attracting a variety of young teenagers to flock around these new businesses. Brandy Melville and Rowen, are two of the, now, most popular clothing stores within the area. Brandy Melville opened on August 11th in Suburban Square, sealing the summer of 2024 with a wonderful treasure. The Brandy aroused a majority of the Main Line’s teenage girls, having them crowd the store time after time immediately after the opening day. Not only did the store profit immensely, but the community did too, as the long commute to the Brandy Melvilve in Philadelphia was completely eliminated with this perfectly equipped, trendy, cheap, and favorable business. Rowen, being another convenient and popular store, also introduced a chic style of clothing to the Main Line. The store’s clothes, although a little pricey, have been deemed to be not only fashionable and classy, but extremely well made too. Rowen is located on Rittenhouse Road in Ardmore, and is found to be modest in size, but hosts a plethora of the best clothing finds in the Main Line.
The clothing stores aren’t the only exciting additions to the Main Line, rather the eateries have truly become the new stars. With restaurants such as Carina Sorella, Lentil and Co, and El Limon; breakfast nooks like: Bagels and Co, Aneu Kitchen, and even the classic Nudy’s Cafe; ice cream parlors: Lu and Augs, and Jeni’s Ice Creams; or even a food store like the new Mac Mart. Although these are just a few of the assorted new eateries, some of these have proven better than others. Our own Nina Cantor speaks of her love for Aneu Kitchen stating, “I’m there Monday through Friday every morning before school” and commenting on her admiration for Aneu’s pastries, saying, “I don’t even like chocolate croissants, but from Aneu I get one every day!” Nina’s reflection is just one of the many positive reviews of a new beloved business. Another source speaks on Jeni’s ice cream explaining, “I went with my sister, and not only was the ice cream delicious, but the place was decorated so adorably. My sister and I had such a great night there!” That’s not always the case with all of the new businesses though. Carina Sorella has caused some controversy in the area, its food leaving guests conflicted about its quality. Many diners have left reviews saying that the food was mediocre quality, especially for the price, and “the atmosphere was loud and over stimulating”. Both of these reviews show the wide range of satisfaction from the Main Line with the new food related business that has emerged. Regardless, each of these food establishments has brought a great buzz throughout the community of Lower Merion that have presented new opportunities for a culinary experience.
Although new businesses have emerged, old ones have brought new opportunities in 2024 as well. Many teenagers have experimented with different businesses in the area as employees. McCaffery’s, Snap Pizza, The Bakery House, Rita’s Italian Ice, are just some of the most common businesses high school students have been employed at in 2024. High school students have expressed their contentment with these businesses in terms of optimal management, positive environment, flexibility, and even respectful customer interactions. These “older” businesses have implemented strong principles that have translated well onto their employees, creating a beneficial relationship for all in the Lower Merion Community.
As the 2024 year comes to an end, a reflection of the entrepreneurial advancements in the area has overall been deemed to be positive. Clothing stores have brought convenience and fashionability for local customers; restaurants have provided delicious food for families and friends to bond over; businesses have proficiently executed successful environments for employees; ice cream places have held laughs of sibling alliances, and cafes have allowed customers to expand their palette. The new, wonderful, businesses that have developed in the Main Line area will continue to help the area, and the community, thrive for their most optimal experiences.
