Burroughs was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but grew up in several towns in Massachusetts, including Shutesbury, Amherst, and Northampton. Wikipedia. As an author, he has nine books on the New York Times bestseller list, including “Running with Scissors.”

Burroughs isn’t just a Northampton native; Thornes has a decades-long connection with Marketplace. “I spent a lot of time at Thornes when I was young because I was obsessed with the window designs,” he said, noting that his silhouette was once painted on the walls of Thornes’ fourth floor as an art project that remained for years.

“It’s kind of like a homecoming,” Burroughs said. “I had a dysfunctional childhood in Northampton, filled with abuse and neglect. If you want, I return to the scene of the crime, but this time I bring joy and experience. It’s an exciting way for me to be back on a brand new journey.”

Burroughs lives in Southbury, Connecticut, with her husband, Christopher Schelling. He is a native of Ohio and works as a literary agent for his own company, Selectric Artists.

Sirkin lives in Stratford, Connecticut and is known for introducing personal training gyms in the 1990s. He is also an avid collector as well as a real estate agent and world traveler. Burroughs and Sirkin collects one-of-a-kind items, and the new store will feature pieces from their collection, undiscovered art, musical instruments, vintage clothing, furniture and home accessories from antique to modern at a variety of prices.

“It’s exciting to introduce people to things they’ve never encountered or seen before,” Burroughs said. “We are creating an immersive experience so people can share the joy we feel. “Every piece has a story and history.”

The Shiny Black Door will be located on the second floor of Suite 260, formerly occupied by LeBonNton, and is scheduled to open to the public in late November.

Thornes Marketplace was built in 1873 and has been a shopping center in downtown Northampton for over a century.

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