Anna Rayno Quirk, bra fitter and seamstress; Judith Fine, founder of Gazebo; Amy Dickinson, co-owner of Gazebo; Emma Dostal, long-time manager of Gazebo; Donna McNeight, co-owner of Gazebo; and state Sen. Jacob Oliviera.
Photo credit: Kathy Rogers
EAST LONGMEADOW — Gazebo, the lingerie, bra fitting and swimsuit store in downtown Northampton has opened a second location in East Longmeadow, named “Gazebo Too,” in the former Coughlin’s Place Restaurant at 182 N. Main St. Owners Donna McNeight and Amy Dickinson are excited about the expansion and proud to be a part of the East Longmeadow community.
McNeight said, “When we took over eight years ago, we talked about having a second location then COVID hit, but to be able to get to this place even after all of that is terrific.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on March 26. Attendees included Deputy Town Manager Rebecca Lisi, state Sen. Jacob Oliveira (D-Ludlow) and Executive Director Grace Barone at East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce
“We didn’t get the opportunity to have a ribbon cutting in Northampton because Gazebo had already been well established for many years,” Dickinson said. “It was the first time we got to do that and it was so much fun. I’m so glad we had one.”
Gazebo prides itself on full service bra, binder, and cup sized swimsuit fittings with cups ranging from AA-N. They’re a proud ally of the LGBGTQ+ community and is wheelchair and service animal friendly.
Gazebo was founded in 1978 by Judith Fine. She started creating wedding gowns out of vintage lace and expanded into her own designs of lingerie. Then, she transitioned into bra fitting in the 1990s. Dickinson worked at Gazebo in the ‘90s, but came back in 2015, and McNeight began working there in 2010. They took over the business in March of 2016 and added swimwear to the lineup.
“Swimsuits are our most intimate outer wear,” Dickinson said. “People who have trouble finding bras, a bra-sized swimsuit will fit perfectly, so you won’t have to sacrifice comfort, support, or style. We want everyone who comes in to feel at ease.”
McNeight will run Gazebo Too while Dickinson will run Gazebo in Northampton.
“Donna did an amazing job. She put her heart and soul into the interior and getting everything ready. It’s so beautiful and that was very exciting to witness,” Dickinson said.
Their goal for the second location is to get their name out and get involved in the community. Other than bringing their fit experience to East Longmeadow, Gazebo has a long history of partnering with local nonprofits in Hampshire County, including Cancer Connection, The Literacy Project, Safe Passage, Bard Micro College and the United Way, as well as local schools and other foundations. They’ve started reaching out to organizations more locally in East Longmeadow.
“We understand the importance of giving back to the communities that give us so much,” McNeight said. “We can’t wait to meet the community and bring our amazing service to new folks.”
Gazebo Too will open on Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Gazebo in Northampton is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
