Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller
For a century, Charles Department Store has been a beloved part of northern Westchester. As a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business, they offer a curated selection of women’s and men’s clothing, footwear and housewares. Known for their in-depth product knowledge, the staff is always ready to answer questions, help customers find exactly what they need and gift wrap (they love to gift wrap). Their customers hail from all over northern Westchester and beyond, ranging in age from 18 to 80.
In celebration of their 100th anniversary in 2024, Charles Department Store partnered with New York-Presbyterian Hospital Hudson Valley’s teaching kitchen, donating much-needed items to support their efforts. They also sponsor local sports teams and non-profit fundraisers on an ongoing basis.
Ever Wonder?
Charles Department Store opened in 1924 at 68 Maple Ave. in Mount Kisco. Original owners Charles and Isabelle moved the store to Bedford Hills and then again to Katonah in 1939, where it still is today.
Runner-up: Kelloggs & Lawrence, Katonah
This article was published in the January/February 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2025 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
