Jo Ann Haines, director of merchandising, and Dana DeVito, director of retail operations, are the team responsible for Historic Hotel Bethlehem's classy and incomparable Gift Shoppe. Where else can you get stunning and exclusive presents and accessories and the rich and smooth Penn State Creamery's ice cream? Learn more about this decadent shopping Shangri-La from these retail experts.
What strengths do each of you bring to The Shoppe?
Dana: I started my professional career with 17 years of emergency nursing. Chaos in the emergency room prepared me for the Christmas retail season. I started in retail with various positions at the Moravian Book Shop before I joined as director of retail operations at Historic Hotel Bethlehem in January of 2016. I couldn't be happier to bring operations and financial management to this team.
Jo Ann: I'd been a buyer for the six Gimbels stores in Pittsburgh for 12 years. My strength is buying the merchandise for the business. It's always a challenge not only to design The Shoppe to look appealing but to educate our customers about the trends and how they can adapt them to their wardrobes. I'm truly a right-brained person, where Dana is a left-brained person—which makes us a perfect team.
How do you ensure that your collection stands apart from all the boutiques on Main Street?
Jo Ann & Dana: We opened The Shoppe in its current location in August of 2014. We define ourselves as a ladies' boutique with a strong emphasis on accessories. Other than leggings, we sell no pants—only things that can be worn “on top,” including this season's go-to item, the wrap. We have exclusives with most of our vendors, which truly sets us apart. We spend a lot of time in the market finding companies that do not have a presence in the Lehigh Valley.
What is the ideal occasion or recipient for your gifts?
Dana: Every day is a great occasion to feel good about yourself, so you don't need a special occasion to shop at The Shoppe. We may be a small shop, but whether it's for a daytime or evening event, you'll be sure to find something great here.
How does your location in a landmark hotel affect your mission?
Jo Ann: Our mission is the same as the hotel's: “Outstanding Customer Service in a Gracious Environment.” We are always striving to give back to the community and to be a part of the Historic District.
Dana: We are blessed with a staff of competent women who love being a part of The Shoppe and the hotel. They'll do anything to help our customers feel welcome and enjoy browsing The Shoppe in a warm, comfortable environment. Our goal is that the customer leaves with something they love and will wear for many years.
What are some great items you have stocked that are made here in the USA?
Jo Ann & Dana: Our faux fur is made in Seattle; it is so soft. It's designed exclusively for us and cannot be sold in any form within a 50-mile radius. We have vests—both long and short—scarves, hats, mittens, fingerless gloves, headbands, neck warmers, hoodie wraps, capes, jackets and boot toppers. All are reversible and, best of all, they are machine washable.
Our newest line of jewelry, made in the USA, is Extasia Cameo, handmade in California.
Our beveled-glass Bethlehem and Moravian stars are made by a company founded in Nazareth. We sell them year round, but they're very popular during the Christmas season.
Do you have a favorite flavor from the Penn State Creamery?
Jo Ann: I do like the Coffee Break, but I love the Peppermint Stick at Christmas time.
Dana: My favorite is Alumni Swirl. I never would have thought that the combination of blueberries, mocha chips and vanilla ice cream would be so fabulous! It's decadent.
What do you enjoy about helping customers shop?
Jo Ann: There is nothing more exciting as a buyer than seeing what you have chosen on your customer. It is even more exciting when they love it!
Dana: On a daily basis, I enjoy watching as our staff helps customers piece together outfits with accessories that they will enjoy for any occasion. Many of our customers have come to rely on our staff to help them coordinate their wardrobes with timeless pieces. We meet new people every day in The Shoppe, and truly enjoy making them feel special.
Dana & Jo Ann: We both agree when you do what you love every day, it's not work—it's a pleasure.
437 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.625.5000 | hotelbethlehem.com/bethlehem-shopping
