Downtown Buffalo has landed some more retail, in the form of a splendid glass etching business. Abino Mills Glassworks has reopened at 255 Delaware Avenue, directly across from the new Delaware North headquarters (corner of Chippewa).
Seeing this glass boutique spring to life brings back memories of Pitt Petri on Delaware, during the store’s heyday. There was a time when upscale stores like this (think Pappagallo) along Delaware Avenue in Downtown Buffalo were not uncommon. To see this fine retailer make a stand in this part of the city recalls fond memories of days gone by.
Abino Mills Glassworks is a store like no other in Buffalo. Owners Connie and Ted Constantine are a mother-son team who both bring a variety of talents to the table. Their business started off in a basement ten years ago when Connie decided that she wanted to take her Photoshop skills to another level. Connie had been busy working on photo restoration projects when she suddenly found herself concentrating her efforts on a project that involved etching glass. Once the project was finished, with the help of someone who knew the process of etching, Connie realized that she might be onto something. What started off as a fun project, suddenly became an “aha moment”. Friends and family were immediately taken with the initial glass etching that she presented. It wasn’t long before Ted jumped onboard to enhance the graphics and production end of the business, and the two began looking into purchasing glass etching equipment and learning the ropes of a new and exciting trade.
Before long, the partners were wheeling and dealing the glass etched products. Connie would be off taking photos of people’s houses, boats, dogs, cars… you name it. Then she would take the images into Photoshop and begin the process of making stencils. The stencils would be handed off to Ted, who would then further work with them before initiating the sandblasting process. If I made this process sound easy, it’s not. There are numerous steps in-between the tasks of hand-stenciling and delicate sandblasting. This is a very intricate, delicate process that takes a long time to master. There are so many nuances that must be considered that it’s just one of those businesses that is best left to people who have the skill, the determination, and the patience to handle the job.
Four years ago, Connie and Ted decided that it was time to grow their business. While word of mouth was (and still is) ‘king’ in their glass etching world, they realized that they needed a storefront. So they opened up a shop in Williamsville, which served their purposes until now. “We found ourselves outgrowing the space,” Connie told me. “We grew up in the city. So we decided to take a look at moving downtown. We came across this building and it suited all of our needs. We wanted to be a part of the city’s growth – we knew that this would be a great spot for us, especially with all of the hotels popping up in the area. It wasn’t long ago that my daughters opened up Lace & Day in Allentown (see here)…. our family is doing its part to bring retail back to Downtown Buffalo.”
Walking into Abino Mills is like walking into a store that one might find on Fifth Avenue. The first thing that I noticed was how great the place smelled. Connie told me that they intentionally selected flowers that enhance the shopping experience, not necessarily by visuals, but rather by the way they smell. She began rattling off a number of different types of flower varieties that she felt best suited the aura of the boutique. The second thing that I noticed was that the shelves were perfectly lit and gleaming with etched glass and crystalware. Connie told me that Buffalo’s very own Litelab (creators of the Saturday Night Fever disco floor) was responsible for the impeccable lighting. She also reminded me that Litelab still handles the lighting for Prada and Louis Vuitton stores all over the world. Between the lighting and the flowers, we were off to a good start.
If Abino Mills was a lighting shop, or a flower shop, it would probably do quite well, especially with Connie behind the sales’ wheel. But alas, the bread and butter for Abino Mills is the glass etched product that is showcased on tables and shelves throughout the storefront. There are examples of etched decanters, glasses, bowls, vases, pitchers… so much to look at with so many ideas of etchings to complement the translucent surfaces. The customers are given plenty of merchandise options to choose from, and then when it comes to the etchings, the world is their oyster. From Buffalo images (architectural masterpieces) to a family crest, to a simple sailboat, these creations are perfect for bridal registries, house warming presents, the holidays, and corporate gifts.
“We stock Riedel crystalware which is varietal specific,” Connie explained. “There’s a science behind the olfactory experiences with wine. It’s as much science as it is art. We also carry Dartington crystal from England, and mouth blown LSA glasses. Believe it or not, we have customers all over the world that we ship to. Some of those customers even fly in to Buffalo to come shop with us.”‘
Over the years, Connie and Ted have earned a reputation for high quality products, intricate etchings, and stellar customer service. Their brand name speaks for itself, in circles all over the world. But it’s the Buffalo clientele that keeps coming back to see what’s new, and what advancements are being made. Obviously Connie and Ted’s belief in Buffalo and the direction that it is going is catching on with their customers who are traveling near and far to support their move into the city.
Since moving downtown, Connie and Ted have experienced more walking traffic, more sales, and bigger sales. Even I was a bit skeptical when I first hear that, seeing that there is no other retail on their block (though New Era is not far away). But they were resolute that their customers are fully supportive of the move and happy to see the business join in on the pioneering wave that we are starting to see take place. “We feel that when the Westin Hotel opens across the street, and the Curtiss Hotel opens around the corner, even more visitors will be looking for shopping experiences in this neighborhood,” Connie told me. “We also have our solid customer base to work with. We look forward to hosting cocktail parties when we test out our new pieces. We’re proud of what we’re doing – the canoe displays that we sell are made right here in WNY, and the campaign furniture (resembles steamer trunks) is very handsome. We will be adding more accessories and merchandise, and bringing in more furniture after our Grand Reopening Celebration (see Facebook). We want this to be a place where customers can come in and hang out and feel comfortable.”
A visit to Abino Mills Glassworks is fascinating. From their start in the family basement to relocating to a sharply renovated storefront in the heart of the city, Connie and Ted have done a smashing job of infusing life into a long overlooked building that once housed the Firefighters Union – a major undertaking according to Connie. Fortunately, this family is not alone when it comes to its belief that Buffalo is back. At the same time, retail in Buffalo is not going to automatically flourish overnight, and it’s largely up to these types of trendsetters who are willing to take chances. If there is a family that has the skills and the gumption to help lead the way towards retail growth in Downtown Buffalo, it’s assuredly the Constantine family.
¡Salud!
Abino Mills Glassworks | 255 Delaware Avenue | Buffalo, NY | (716) 844-8299 | Facebook