Buffalo Next
As a designer of Buffalo Bills-themed merchandise, having Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen buy his celebrity wife, Hailee Steinfeld, one of your "Mrs. Allen" jackets for Christmas is quite an endorsement.
Now, Abigail Nashwinter has gotten the endorsement of Western New York's hometown grocer as well.
By Abigail Lee launches collaboration with Tops Friendly Markets
Tops intern Gabby Whipple arranges a Buffalo Royalty Bow, By Abigail Lee at Tops Friendly Markets in Hamburg, Aug. 8, 2025. Libby March/Buffalo News
Nashwinter and her brand By Abigail Lee have teamed up with Tops Markets to sell her Buffalo football-inspired wares in 25 Tops stores across Western New York. Nashwinter was on hand for a meet-and-greet styling event at the South Park Avenue store in Hamburg to launch the line, giving fans and customers free fashion advice.
By Abigail Lee launches collaboration with Tops Friendly Markets
Abigail Lee, left, with Jessica Stein during the launch of Lee’s collaboration with Tops at Tops Friendly Markets in Hamburg, Aug. 8, 2025. Libby March/Buffalo News
Nashwinter has designed reworked vintage clothing and original pieces, and has gathered a following of more than 55,000 people on Instagram. The Mrs. Allen jacket went viral and was featured in Sports Illustrated in December.
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The collection she designed for Tops is exclusive to the store, and features Nashwinter's bestselling Buffalo Royalty Bow, Billy the Buffalo Tee and tapestry blanket. The merchandise is grouped in small, pop-up boutique displays at more than two dozen Tops locations.
Product availability varies by location.
Homegoods store opening in East Aurora
The wait is almost over for Homegoods fans in East Aurora.
The national, off-price home decor retailer will open an 18,400-square-foot store in the Aurora Village Shopping Center, 123 Grey St., on Aug. 21.
The TJX Cos. store sells a frequently changing selection of discounted furniture, linens, art, cooking products, lighting and other home accessories. Discounts typically range from 20% to 60% off.
The grand opening will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Taskrabbit expands to Buffalo area
It has been available in most states and eight countries around the globe, and now it has come to Buffalo.
Taskrabbit, a home services marketplace, has expanded its offerings to all 50 states and is now live locally. Taskrabbit matches customers with "Taskers," people from their communities who accomplish household tasks for an hourly rate. Tasks can range from mounting televisions and furniture assembly to home repairs, cleaning, moving and more. Taskrabbit is the official furniture assembly provider for IKEA.
The digital platform allows customers to find, book and pay for help from Taskers across more than 35 categories. Taskers are background-checked and earn an average of $57 per hour. They keep 100% of their hourly wages and client tips.
“At Taskrabbit, we’re focused on helping people live better – whether that means upgrading and maintaining their homes, or building a flexible income stream for self-employed workers,” said Ania Smith, CEO of Taskrabbit.
The company has seen double-digit growth since 2018.
She Gathers opens in North Tonawanda
She Gathers, a collective of women-owned businesses, has opened at 38 Webster St. in North Tonawanda. The building is the former longtime home of the Treasure Market secondhand shop.
The indoor artisan and vendor market share the 3,500-square-foot space. It also features a full bar and lounge area, and space to host events, workshops and other community gatherings.
Among the women-owned small businesses featured in the shop are Read It and Eat, a culinary-themed bookstore.
McDonald's brings back Bills Mafia Box
McDonald's restaurants across the state are bringing back the limited-edition Bills Mafia Box created for Buffalo Bills fans.
This year, the box comes with two cheeseburgers, two medium fries and a 20-piece McNuggets. The box features a new design meant to pay tribute to the team's last season at Highmark Stadium.
In further football fanfare, the fast-food restaurant will give a free Big Mac with a $2 purchase every time the Bills record a sack on an opposing team this season. That deal is only available in the McDonald's app.
"We are always looking for new ways to provide our customers with great deals and celebrate with the iconic fanbase of the Buffalo Bills," said Buffalo McDonald's owner and operator Dave Singelyn.
New licensed cannabis dispensaries open
Several new licensed cannabis dispensaries have opened in Western New York.
Buffalo Kind has opened at 640 Main St. in East Aurora.
Toke Lane, 1727 Genesee St.
The Joint, 904 Elmwood Ave.
Mrs. Green CANNAry, 204 E. Main St., Batavia.
Cloudfather, 6850 Main St., Williamsville.
Kushmart, 5211 Broadway, Lancaster.
Liquid Monkey Dispensary, 177 Fluvanna Ave., Jamestown
Fashion Outlets hosts back-to-school event
The Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA will host a back-to-school event for teachers Thursday and students Saturday.
Thursday, the mall will host "We Love Our Educators," where teachers and administrators from all school districts and colleges can receive a free swag bag with promotional items from the mall, Fashion Outlets store coupons, a visitor savings pass with up to $500 in savings and a chance at larger prizes from stores.
Teachers and administrators should show their employee identification from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the promotional table in the Center Court area inside Entrance 2.
Saturday, the mall hosts its annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or while supplies last. Registration is required on site. Students must be present and accompanied by an adult.
The giveaway is sponsored by Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA, the Salvation Army, the United Way of the Niagara Frontier/Women United and the Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Queen contestants.
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The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the region’s economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.
Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com.
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