Le Marche

You don’t find stores like this very often. Locally owned and operated, this store has an assortment of things that can fit your needs. I’ve walked past the store on many occasions without going in, but after needing a last minute present I came here with hopes to find something.
The store in split into 3 sections. Children’s toys, books, and very few clothing to the left, fine chocolates in the middle, and home goods to the right. I found a gift in the children’s section and the price wasn’t higher than walmart. Without me asking, I was offered complimentary gift wrapping. Simple touches like that make the difference and I will definitely be back.

The word of the day is pricey or maybe swanky? Le Marche tries very hard to be upscale and for the most part it succeeds. I’ve never actually bought anything in here, mostly because I can’t afford to, but my daughters and I always have a good time perusing when we shop in Ghent. They have a lot of interesting home décor, books, antiques, and an adorable array of baby & kid items. The staff is friendly whenever we stop in to look. I don’t recommend bringing your littles in here unless you can keep a close eye on them. Lots of breakable and expensive items. They do sell various chocolates, that look delicious, but I, myself, have never tried them.

Upon first glance inside the beautiful, luxuriously appointed window, one would assume high prices and snobbish service. This could not be further from the truth. Le Marche is a gem in the Ghent neighborhood that supplies us with beautiful French– country accoutrements, fantastic gifts, and decadent Neuhaus chocolates.
The staff is wonderful! They are helpful and truly care about the customers’ needs and wants. Do not be intimidated by the appearance of the windows. You will be pleasantly surprised how affordable much of their merchandise is.
Head to the back and try an Astrid or Cornet chocolate and your troubles will melt away.
They also carry an extensive selection of well-​made Melissa & Doug wooden toys. There is also a lovely baby gift section in addition to the home goods.
At Christmas time, the ornaments on the tree are stunning and very reasonably priced. And, Michelle will happily and beautifully wrap any purchases.
Go look at what they have in this lovely shop. You will fall in love just as I have.

Over the last decade or so, I’ve (insert any verb here) in Ghent.
Except visit Le Marche! Like everyone else that has been to the Colley Ave part of Ghent, I’ve seen the bicycle out front oodles of times and promised myself that next time I would go inside and visit.
March 19, 2015 was next time. In I went.
What a treasure! Do yourself a favor and go visit this place, but do it when you have some time to kill. There is way too much to take in with just a quick glance and go visit, you have to take time to linger. Take time to talk with the incredibly helpful people that work here, they take pride in their wares and want to make sure you are fully informed about what you are looking at.
To compile a list of what is here would be fruitless and rob you of half of the joy of visiting. I’m sure that with each succeeding visit I will find something new, something either overlooked on the last visit or something newly arrived.
If you are in a pinch to find a unique gift for a unique occasion, you cannot go wrong at Le Marche. Tell them what you are looking for, or better yet, tell them WHY you are looking. Your tale will be rewarded with just the perfect suggestion of a gift.
AND…get the gift wrapping! I don’t care if you have Martha Stewart herself locked away in the hall pantry, she can’t come anywhere close to the wrapping job you will get here! The wrapping alone is almost enough reason to make this my first and last stop for any gifts I purchase from March 19, 2015 forward.
5 stars and hits the Must Do list.

This is a great store that we are lucky to have in Norfolk. It’s so nice not to have to go a chain store at the mall. There are beautiful household items. I met one of the owners and she is ordering personalized towels for me. You just don’t find this level of quality or service very often. You can get luxury items here for surprisingly reasonable prices. It’s a real treat to shop here. We buy all of our baby gifts and house warming gifts here. Their gift-​wrapping is the best in tidewater.