Added Attractions offers something for everyone


Added Attractions hosted an open house on Sept. 28, and owner Carol Kononitz said approximately 100 stopped by to check out the store. She'll be hosting a holiday open house on Nov. 16. Reminder Publications submitted photo

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW Carol Kononitz, owner of Added Attractions at 180 Shaker Rd., describes her women's clothing boutique as "the opposite of the mall."

"We are very personalized," Kononitz said. "It's a unique shopping opportunity. This is retail with integrity. I want to treat customers the way I'd want to be treated." As this reporter waited to speak with the store owner, Kononitz worked very closely with a woman seeking out a specific garment. If the garment a person is looking for is not in the store, she and her sales associates will order for that customer.

Added Attractions offers a wide variety, both in styles of clothing and price. Kononitz said her inventory fits all kinds of personalities. Her youngest customers are in their mid-teens; her oldest, in their eighties. "I believe you need to feel good about what you're wearing," she said. "There's so much in life you can't control. This [fashion] is one aspect of life you can control. I really want people to feel happy when they leave here."

One way she plans on keeping customers happy is offering private showings and she said the store is always available for personal appointments. "We all love people here," Kononitz said. "We try to have a connection, a relationship with our customers."

Fashion is something Kononitz "has always had a bend for." She noted that she is very passionate about what she does. She believes she has an eye for what is current and contemporary and she loves details.

"We all have something different that we like, though," she said. That's why she considers getting new clothing in the store all the time a positive attribute.

Kononitz has been operating boutiques for more than 15 years, and Added Attractions opened in May. The open house the East Longmeadow location hosted on Sept. 28 brought in about 100 visitors, and Kononitz plans on hosting another on Nov. 16.

"I feel very blessed to be here," she said. "I'm going to try to continue to keep East Longmeadow beautiful."

Added Attractions is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and is closed on Sunday and Monday. For more information, contact the store at 525-3176.