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A New Day Dawns for Worcester on Former Charlie’s Surplus Site By Allegra Mira
When rumors of a gay gift shop on 116 Water Street began, more than one local asked, “What would Charlie think?”
Gay business has often been tagged as seedy and sex-aggressive. In cities of the past, gay businesses were nightclubs and sex stores—covert places that operated “in the closet,” much like their clientele. But recently, business owners in cities like Boston, San Francisco and Montreal have reversed that stereotype—and Worcester’s about to see the same change.
Opened last September by Tony Sanders, a local realtor, Vibes is slick as anything on Newbury Street—but not at all snobby. Cleverly organized into three distinct sections--café, a business section, and a swanky gallery space in the back—Vibes will have you asking, “Am I really in Worcester?”
The reader might recall the back room of Charlie’s Surplus—a treasure-chest of Converse All-Stars, Sorel boots and Doc Martens in all colors. Sanders, with an obvious knack for environment, uses this space as a Manhattan-style gallery. Large windows frame both Kelley Square and the brick walls of the next building, incorporating Worcester’s grittiness into the gallery’s overall polish. Leather chairs welcome visitors and conversation, along with sculptural steel-and-glass tables that mimic the cute glass-topped tables in the café.
Offering a range of greeting cards, gifts and home decorations, Vibes is also the first local headquarters for Pride gear. For those of you who traveled to Boston or Northampton for a key chain or dog leash, I’m happy to say that there’s a great supplier right here in Central Mass. The café features the full run of espresso drinks and desserts as well as plain old coffee. The gallery features a rotating set of artists (call the store at 753-9969 to ask about submitting work). The current show features local artist Michael Dreyette, who—amazingly—had no formal training. (It’s a little racy for the uninitiated, but nothing a seasoned art buff couldn’t handle.) The store is open from Tuesday through Sunday, from 12:00-9:00 pm.
It’s long been said that margin business communities can revitalize economically depressed areas. Might Water Street be the next example of this? Either way, Sander’s clear dedication to his store and to Worcester’s diverse population are going to make a big, welcome dent in local misgivings about gay businesses. And that’s a big success on its own.
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