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The Charm of the Chain
When time is of the essence and convenience is prized, chain stores and restaurants often reign supreme. But what makes some chains stand out for parents and families? Here’s a list of the 2008 Family Favorite award winners with store or restaurant locations nationwide – and some insider information on why they get a vigorous nod from parents year after year:
For Books
• Barnes & Noble Booksellers. www.barnesandnoble.com
• Borders. www.borders.com. With nearly four dozen Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores in Eastern Massachusetts alone, there’s probably one near you. Both have large child and teen sections, with everything from popular book series to the newest releases. You’ll also find high-quality toys and craft kits, a café with beverages and baked goods, and storytimes.
For Baby Gifts
• Babies R Us. www.toysrus.com. If you’re looking for a specific baby gadget you saw advertised a few months ago, you’ll probably find it here, along with brand-name strollers, cribs, car seats, bottles, toys, layette sets, infant clothing and more.
For Toys
• Toys R Us. www.toysrus.com. Transformed in recent years from a jumble of claustrophobic aisles to eye-level shelving and spacious, floor sections, Toys R Us has everything for the world of play.
For Baby Clothes
• Baby Gap. www.gap.com. Not your typical pale pastel baby wear. Baby Gap peddles bold primary colors, tiny calico prints, stripes, retro styles … and regular sales that save you a bundle on what has otherwise become a pricey proposition.
For Kids’ Casual Wear
• Gap and Gap Kids. www.gap.com. Kids tune in to the latest Gap styles, and parents tune in to the quality and sale prices of the durable, classic clothes offered by both Gap and Gap Kids.
For Kids’ Special Occasion Wear
• Talbot Kids. www.talbots.com Classic, understated, elegant children’s special occasion clothes with a New England sensibility – reasonable prices and styles that work for any dress-up event.
For Party Supplies
• iParty. www.iparty.com It’s hard to think of any party need you can’t find here – invitations, balloons, cake toppers, banners and all manner of paper goods and decorations for celebrating life’s milestones.
For Sports Equipment
• Dick’s Sporting Goods. www.dickssportinggoods.com A well-designed, two-level sporting goods store with discounted pricing on athletic clothing, shoes and gear for kids and adults. Kids like the high rock-climbing wall – a feature in most Dick’s stores that is staffed by a couple of knowledgeable, very patient climbers.
For Shoes
• Payless ShoeSource. www.payless.com Decent shoes at discount prices for the whole family (most of the kids’ shoes are $20 and under), Payless has frequent “buy one get one” offers and – unlike other similar discount shoe competitors – it’s known for having a wide selection of children’s shoes and sneakers.
• Stride Rite. www.striderite.com Massachusetts-based Stride Rite is a New England institution. Parents of young children swear by the quality of the shoes, the stores and the staff. The footwear costs a little more, but it doesn’t wear out nearly as fast as other children’s shoes. The customer service here is stellar.
For Everything
• Target. www.target.com Whether for household essentials, grocery items, party supplies, toys, baby gifts and gear, or shoes and clothing for the entire family, Target is a universal choice for great prices and quality merchandise.
For Eating Out
• Bertucci’s. www.bertuccis.com The atmosphere is warm and casual, the wait staff is friendly, and the menu features creative entrées. Your kids won’t care. They’re there for the pizza and pasta.
• Bugaboo Creek. www.bugaboocreek.com Great steak, hearty adult meals, a fun kids’ menu and a talking moose. What’s not to love?
• 99. www.99restaurants.com This New England chain, which started in Boston, offers great pub-style food at a decent price.
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