Research and Design is a small, family-owned boutique in the village of Orchard Park. My sister stumbled in to RD on a visit from out of town and demanded to know why I hadn’t told her about it. Well, I had never been in, so on her next visit we went together. Immediately, I knew why my sister had fallen in love with this shop. They have a great selection of clothing and jewelery as well as other small items at a variety of price points. I expected that everything would be over-priced and overly trendy but it is really just right. Don’t get me wrong, you will find the hot trends here but it’s not over the top. I think my favorite thing to shop here is their jewelry and accessories. They’ve got stuff that I like and there’s lots for me to buy for my very fashionable sister(who is also a burgeoning yogi.) The owners and staff are very friendly and helpful at Research and Design. They will gift-wrap your purchase if you need it and if you sign up for their mailing list, you’ll get coupons from time to time. Coupons are always a nice treat! I’m glad my sister discovered this little gem in OP and shared it with me.
Kelsey S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Tonawanda, NY
This place really stole my heart. I walked in not really knowing what to expect, as the rustic barn exterior can kind of throw you off. But when I walked in, I was more than pleased. The design on the inside reminds me of my bedroom at home, warm with light and neutral colors. And the jewelry and clothing selections are top notch. What I had originally went in for was sold out in my size, and the worker offered to take my name and email and phone and will call me when the size that I need comes in(talk about customer service). I’m pleased to know that I’ve found a little hidden gem to keep coming back to again and again.
Meagan M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Buffalo, NY
Stopped in on my lunch break from work for a Mother’s Day gift and it was a home run! Fantastic customer service that also provides a free gift wrap with style! Lots of unique gifts for everyone! Will shop there again!
Kelly B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Buffalo, NY
Stopped in when I was in the Southtowns because I have heard great things. The staff is very friendly. The store which is an old barn is very bright and neatly organized. They have all sorts of things: jewelry, candles, stationary, clothing(high end brands, like what the Tony Walker has), shoes and handbags. I will definitely make this a stop every time I am in the area.
Leigh P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Buffalo, NY
Perfect retail experience! The staff is excellent. Always something new. Great supply of denim and jewelry. Beautiful backdrop. One of Western New Yorks best kept retail secrets! Stop by once and you will definitely be back again & again
Nina B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Buffalo, NY
Research and Design promised to be hip and fun, and after several visits, I’m pleased to say it is as fabulous as the renovated space it’s located in. In the heart of Orchard Park, the store’s sleek finishes and modern style evokes the feeling of being in another city. The owners are enthusiastic and educated about the brands they carry. They offer Malin + Goetz bath and beauty products, including lotions, hair masks, lip balms and more, which are wonderful and hard to find in WNY. They may be the only area retailer carrying the line. Their Butter London nail polish selection is impressive – more colors offered at once than anywhere in the area that I’ve seen. The store’s clothing clearly focuses on quality, not just trend. Their tees, denim and more offer a rainbow of colors and tend to stick with classic solids and stripes. They have fashion favorites like James Perse, Vince, Olive & Oak, AG Adriano Goldschmied and Blank NYC. With few WNY department stores or boutiques carrying these, this store is even more of a welcome addition. They also have items by peace love world, which makes comfy clothing and accessories. Think cute yoga pants, workout gear and stylish loungewear. They even carry some baby and children’s clothing and accessories. There are plenty of accessories(deux lux bags and wallets, scarves, etc.), in addition to a great selection of beautiful flats by Yosi Samra, as well as dressier pumps from Pour La Victoire, a shoe company from France. There is a huge display of jewelry, with a low end line that’s perfect for grabbing some trendier pieces, and higher end pieces. There’s also have Dogeared jewelry, which makes great gifts. It’s impossible to depart the jewelry section without a few goodies. Lastly, the second floor has fitting rooms, denim, and an art gallery. What a cool idea in a truly beautiful space. I’m thrilled to have this store as an addition to my favorite spots to shop local.
Deborah B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Buffalo, NY
I had noticed some activity around the old«Barn» in the village that was a ski shop when I was a young girl(about a hundred years ago) and about the same time I saw a sign emerge, my daughter-in-law told me about this new store and suggested we stop in. I am so glad we did! The owners, a nice young couple, were there and told us how they had been working on the building for a while which was obviously successful, as it was cool and chic with clean lines and nicely organized. I WANTED to shop there. Their jewelry ranged from extremely reasonable to a little more costly, but nothing really expensive. However, the selection was remarkable. Some really new and distinctive items that appealed to me and my 28 y.o. companion. Their upscale clothing lines were sleek and classic, yet current with a heavy concentration on denim. Some of the denim lines were quite expensive but there is a market for them here in the Southtowns, as well as on Elmwood and in Williamsville. They also carry some children’s items, as well as shoes and boots. Their vegan«leather» jackets were beautiful; soft, colorful and nicely designed. The skin care line, Malin+Goetz, is incredible. We received a generous sample of several of their products with our purchases and I will definitely go back for full sizes. Upstairs there was more clothing, but also an art gallery, with items for sale. This is a wonderful addition to Orchard Park and very worthy of a trip here by anyone in Western New York looking for unique shopping.