Framing the Situation

Frame-ables is known for its specialty framing and is located in the Thoreau/Depot section of Concord. 

Andrea Zall, owner and professional photographer, along with her team at Frame-ables "takes into account customers lifestyles and finds a frame that fits it."  Andrea has seen a revitalization and energy in the area with increased pedestrian traffic and younger families coming to the area. 

"It's how it used to be," she said.

With many customers sharing not just their private artwork and keepsakes but also an intrinsic part of themselves, Frame-Ables is much more than a framing and art boutique.  Customers have "a lot of memories and we have stories that go along with it," for their art selections. Children's artwork is very popular here and they have framed nearly everything imaginable.

Artwork including pottery, jewelry and Italian lamps are part of the landscape here as well. Photographs by Zall and local photographers grace the walls of Frame-ables with stunning shots of both local and international destinations including Boston, Italy and Cape Cod.   Andrea likes to sell "what people can relate to."

Since the onset of the recession, Andrea has noted an increase in the framing and acquisition of memorabilia or nostalgia type items. 

"It helps people to get through a difficult time," she said. 

In the past few years, items in the mid-price range experienced a drop in sales.  Andrea worked to keep prices flexible and moderate to meet customer demand.  With over 2000 frames available, the team at Frame-ables works to educate the consumer and "as designers it is our task" to find and assure "the customer that we know through experience," what mounting style and colors would work well with their specific items.

Zall was one of the first women to join the Concord Rotary Club and believes that, "you need to know what business you're in." 

As customers keep coming in, with over 25 years in business and a winner of the Gold Award as Regional Favorite by the Concord Readers Choice Awards, Zall summed it up well: "it's longevity."