Windham's Best Businesses Of 2020: Readers Speak

WINDHAM, NH — Last month, Patch in Windham asked readers to offer some thoughts about local businesses who had gone above and beyond for customers in the community.

The year 2020 has been a difficult one for everyone but businesses are doing everything they can to help customers and stay afloat during the pandemic.

Fits The Vibe, a modern second-hand clothing store on Rockingham Road, was praised by more than three dozen readers for going above and beyond for customers, have a great social media presence, and selection of items, too.

"The owners are friendly and welcoming," Sydney said. "The purpose of their business is to give clothes a second chance in a small community as well as provide opportunities to local designers and entrepreneurs. I am inspired by Fits The Vibe ... The atmosphere is chill and I can see this business really taking off in the future."

April, another reader, said, "The owner, the staff, the members, they are all amazing and caring and love supporting other women and love making us feel good about ourselves."

Sierra praised the store's new new space and added, "I love resale and the idea of saving the environment AND being fashionable! Ianna has done a great job making this a funky and cool vibe for shopping!"

More than a dozen readers gave kudos to C_Wickson Studios on Range Road for having a great staff and customer service.

"Cally Wickson and her staff are top notch," wrote Lauren, a customer. "They not only provide a safe community for women's health, but are always giving back to the community. When this pandemic hit Cally like many others had to close her doors. During this major shift in her business she made sure to help the community and, all the medical professionals that belonged to the studio. She made baskets up and personally delivered them to each clients home, provided a bench outside her studio that became the community bench. People would post if they needed Clorox wipes, gloves, masks and she would help connect one another. When she opened her doors back up in July she knew things were going to be different much smaller class sizes, some clients not returning, and overall a shift for her business. She was so open about everything. The struggles the ups and the downs. She herself was dealing with disappointments helped."

Elaine, another customer, said, "The most incredible workout, with the most educated trained instructors. On proper body position, nutrition all over well being and health along with emotional and moral support, especially now during this pandemic. (The student) is extremely positive and my happy place to be always."

Stacy added, "They Have done a great job accommodating the times by providing online and virtual workouts as well as safe in studio workouts. They have bent over backwards to keep everyone safe during this challenging time and have worked effortlessly to meet the challenges of this craziness we are dealing with. (C-19) The instructors are the best and the studio is clean, comfortable and the workouts are amazing."

Southpaw Boxing & Fitness on Range Road also was highlighted by readers.

"Awesome, super knowledgable and very friendly staff," Tom said. "They really know what they're doing. They really helped my then 13-year-old son who was going through a tough time a year ago. Really helped him and turned his outlook completely around. He now has a real passion. Now my wife goes!"

Windham Pilates & Wellness Center was also praised by readers including Dorothy, who wrote: "The gym went above and beyond to keep clients working out while forced to be closed and then continued to do so for those who were not comfortable coming into the gym after reopening. Classes were and still are available on line and equipment was lent out to those who needed it."

The Walking Gourmet Food Truck Walking Gourmet also received kudos from a couple of readers for providing "an incredible customized menu based on a customer’s event. During the pandemic, Walking Gourmet provides nightly no-contact dinner deliveries."

Other businesses receiving praise from readers included North Star Family Therapy; Body and Mind Physical Therapy and Wellness; Kumo Sushi; Professional Martial Arts Academy; True Colors Glassworks; Nancy Chippendale’s Dance Studios; Windham Junction; Cobbett's Pond Pizza; Dolce Vita Salon and Spa; Village Bean; and Willow by B Designs.

If you have a local business are looking to get more customers, check out the free Patch Local Business Directory here, post classified ads here, and list events and happenings in your business here. To advertise, use this link.

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