In the Spruce Hill and Cedar Park sections of Philadelphia there are many companies tucked away within pockets of Baltimore Avenue. Whether you are looking for jewelry, clothing, books, games or food, there is a place for anyone’s needs or interests. Take a stroll along along the streets of these neighborhoods and make a stop at one of these local businesses to help keep Philadelphia’s local businesses emerging.
Gush Gallery
Gush Gallery (above), located at 5015 Baltimore Ave., is an art gallery supporting local and emerging artists in Philadelphia.
Co-owner Stephanie Slaten said, “Ninety-nine percent of the work we sell and showcase is made by Philadelphia artists.”
Gush has a digital workstation with a high-resolution scanner and a high quality printer that can scan negatives. Artists can come during business hours and use the workstation at no cost. Having opened six short months ago in August, Gush is working to spread the word of their business. They are passionate about supporting local artists and other local businesses in the area.
Redcap’s Corner Gaming Emporium
Redcap’s Corner Gaming Emporium (above) is a gaming store located at 4812 Baltimore Ave. This is the second Redcap’s Corner store to open in Philadelphia.
Employee Michael Motyka said, “our new location in Cedar Park is built for retail while the other store on Lancaster Avenue is built for (gaming) tournaments.”
The gaming store offers an array of admired games and was a must-stop shop during the holidays. Since opening this past August, Redcap’s Corner has become a popular local business in Cedar Park.
FU-WAH Mini-Market & Deli
FU-WAH Mini-Market & Deli (above) has been a well-liked business in Cedar Park since 1982. The family-owned market and deli, located at 810 S 47th St., is known for its Banh Mi Tofu, Banh Mi Char Grilled Pork, and deli selections.
Owner David Lai said, “we have learned to adapt as the neighborhood has evolved.”
Lai and his family also own the neighboring restaurants Vietnam Café and Grill Fish Café, which offer a selection of Vietnamese food. At FU-WAH Mini-Market and Deli you can conveniently grab lunch or dinner and pick-up your groceries in just one stop.
Bindlestiff Books
Bindlestiff Books (above) is a volunteer-run bookstore that sells new and discounted books. Located at 4530 Baltimore Ave., Bindlestiff Books has been a neighborhood bookstore in West Philadelphia since 2005. Staffer Jon Bekken says that being in the neighborhood for sometime now has given the bookstore the opportunity to learn what kind of books their customers are looking for.
“If we like the book, the neighborhood will like the book. Why sell books we hate?” asked Bekken.
Bindlestiff books also hosts book readings and does special orders. This West Philadelphia local bookstore has a book for all ages and interests.
Vix Emporium
Vix Emporium (above) has been selling unique gifts in Cedar Park since November 2009. Located at 5009 Baltimore Ave., Vix Emporium sells work from local artists and craftspeople. The building in which the store is located has a history of its own.
Store owner Emily Conroy Dorn said, “the building has been up since 1940 and was once a millinery and still has the original built-in cabinetry.”
From jewelry to clothing and paintings to cards, Vix Emporium has something for everyone.
– Text and images by Casey Yoos and Max McGee.
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