25 Gifted Retailers of 2008

'Typical' Equals Variety, Adaptability and Independence

By Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 11/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

From Gifts & Decorative Accessories' 91 years of experience, we know there is no one definition of a typical gift retailer. Retailers selling gifts and decorative accessories are a varied lot, as our 25 Gifted Retailers illustrate; yet they are representative of the state of gift retailing. Among this selected group is a stationery specialist, a shop within a car wash and a gift and fabric shop offering sewing classes. All but two operate only one store (the other two have two locations); 16 have websites, yet only four sell online; and they offer a wide range of product categories. These stores average about 4,200 square feet, with some as small as 500 square feet and another as large as 20,000 square feet.

Our 25 retailers are truly a gifted bunch; more than half of this year's group have been in business for 10 or more years. This is just one of the reasons why we call them Gifted Retailers. They, and others like them, are the backbone of the gift industry, and even in tenuous times, are hardy. That is not to say that they aren't challenged; they are. In an era when the tendency in business is to go big — or mass — and impersonal, specialty gift and decorative accessories retailers remain relatively small and more in tune with their customers. By being small — and independent — they have an advantage over their big box, discount and chain competitors; they can adapt more readily to the changing retail climate, whether that change is an economic condition, an emerging trend or a shift in local population. And adapt they must in order to stay strong and competitive.

Gifts & Decorative Accessories will present edited snapshots of the 25 Gifted Retailers chosen for 2008 in two parts: the first 13 retailers appear starting on this page; the remaining 12 will appear in the December issue. The full snapshot content of all 25 Gifted Retailers of 2008 will be posted on GiftsandDec.com. Look for the box appearing just below the blogs.

Ambiance Interiors & Gifts Suwanee, GA

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: $1.3 million

Gift and home accent specialist founded in 1999. Offers upper-middle price points in 4,500 square feet of selling space. Total sales per square foot, $222. Is located in an historic home. Has eight employees, including four salespeople. Also provides interior design services. Major vendors include Trapp Private Gardens, Aromatique, Seda France and Pacifica for candles; Aromatique and Poo-pourri for personal care; RAZ Imports for holiday; and Pictura, Greeting Place and Up With Paper for greeting cards. Special events include a holiday open house with an appearance from Father Fuchsia, pajama parties and an annual Red, White & Blue sale. Displays merchandise on furniture and strives to make the store look like a home. www.ambianceworldwide.com

And Other Fancy Stuff Anchorage, AK

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home specialist in business since 2000. Offers promotional to high end lines in 2,320 square feet of selling space. Has three employees. Key vendors include Yankee Candle for candles; Thymes for personal care; Silver Forest of Vermont for jewelry; Midwest for holiday; and Leanin' Tree for greeting cards. Special events include birthday and frequent buyer discounts and a men's shopping night. Prides itself on its full service and its personal relationship with customers.

Bella Regali Nashville, TN

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift specialist founded in 2002. Is located in an upscale car wash. Offers promotional to mid-priced lines in 500 square feet of selling space. Has five employees, including a four-member sales team. Key vendors include Seda France and Pacifica for candles; What's In Store for jewelry; Tag and Two's Company for holiday; and Curly Girl Design, Point of View, Anzu, Lucky Star Press and Tag & Co. for greeting cards. Holds a yearly Christmas in July sale and a Holiday Open House and Wine Tasting in October. Its unique car wash location provides excellent foot traffic and a captive audience for at least ten minutes. www.bellacarte.net

Country Mischief Templeton, MA

Two Stores. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist founded in 1984. Stores offer promotional to high end lines in a combined 20,000 square feet of selling space. Also operates a restaurant. Key vendors include McCall's Country Canning and A Cheerful Giver/Keepers of the Light for candles; Carol Endres Bee Home for personal care; Chamilia for jewelry; Department 56, Midwest and Park Designs for holiday; and Lang for greeting cards. Special events include an annual anniversary sale and a Country Roads Christmas event. Believes its large product selection, great merchandising and customer rapport sets it apart. www.countrymischief.com

Curious Sofa Prairie Village, KS

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Home accents specialist founded in 2000. Offers promotional to high end lines in 2,500 square feet of selling space. Total sales per square foot, $245. Has seven employees, including five salespeople. Major vendors include Hillhouse Naturals Farm, Votivo, Voluspa Candles and European Soaps for candles; European Soaps, Echo France, French Soaps and Gianna Rose Atelier for personal care; La Vie Parisienne, Sally Jean, Avindy and Grandmother's Buttons for jewelry; Cody Foster & Co., Bethany Lowe Designs, KD Vintage, Midwest, RAZ Imports and Sullivans for holiday; and Bella Muse, Art Lettres, Hello Lucky and Cavallini & Co., for greeting cards. Uses a neutral color palette and relies on texture, shape and the unexpected, including a mix of antiques, in its merchandising. www.curioussofa.com

Feather Your Nest Eureka Springs, AR

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist in business since 2003. Offers promotional to mid-priced lines in 900 square feet of selling space. Is located in a tourist resort. Also sells online. Has four employees, including a three-member sales team. Key vendors include Nouvelle Candle and Sweetgrass Farm for candles; Northridge Gardens, Jane and Aromafloria for personal care; Anne Garrison Design for jewelry; RAZ Imports, Tag, Bethany Lowe Designs, ESC Trading and Cody Foster & Co. for holiday; and Anne Taintor for greeting cards. Specializes in vintage and vintage-inspired products. Product mix includes many U.S.-made and handmade items. All pieces are displayed on furniture. www.shopfeatheryournest.com

Fitzsu Society Los Angeles

Two Stores. Estimated 2007 total sales: $1 million

Home accent and gift specialist in business since 2000. Locations in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, CA, offer upper-middle to high end lines in a combined 3,000 square feet of selling space. Total sales per square foot, $400. Has five employees, including two salespeople. Major vendors include Vipp for personal care; Design Glut, Citizen:Citizen and L. B. Valentine for jewelry; Alessi and iittala for holiday; and Pancake and Franks and Motormouth Press for greeting cards. Engages the international design community for limited and one-of-a-kind items. Holds in-store events where customers can use featured products and offers a wedding and gift registry. Merchandises through a gallery-like atmosphere. www.fitzsu.com

Imagine Warren, RI

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: $1 million–$2.9 million

Gift specialist, operating out of the renovated 1912 Lyric Theatre, founded in 2001. Offers promotional to high end lines in 12,000 square feet of selling space. Also operates Lyric Twist Cafe, an ice cream and candy shop, and sells online. Key vendors include Beanpod Candles, Yankee Candle and Tokoloshe for candles; Mangiacotti Florals for personal care; White Light Productions and Kathy Bransfield Jewelry for jewelry; Ganz and DEMDACO for holiday; and MikWright, Recycled Paper Greetings and Palm Press for greeting cards. Incorporates its three goals of color, uniqueness and change by constantly reworking its displays. Is the home of the blue cow and the Cow Parade. www.imaginegiftstores.com

Inspirations Unique Gift Gallery Virginia Beach, VA

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist established in 1997. Offers promotional to high end lines in 1,200 square feet of selling space. Total sales per square foot, $175. Has three employees. Major vendors include Virginia Candles/Woodwick, Triple Scent Candles and Votivo for candles; Sweetsoaps for personal care; Chamilia, Annaleece and Emily Ray for jewelry; Ganz, Amscan and Christopher Radko for holiday; and MikWright, Avanti Press and Noble Works for greeting cards. Also carries local handcrafted products. Holds an annual holiday open house and sale. Offers free gift wrapping and prides itself on the customer service offered by its friendly and entertaining staff.

JB Winterberry Wheaton, IL

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home decor specialist founded in 2002. Offers promotional to mid-priced lines in 5,200 square feet of selling space. Is owned by a mother and daughter and has 18 part-time employees. Major vendors include Votivo, Nouvelle Candle and Archipelago for candles; Sullivans, RAZ Imports, Melrose International, A&B Floral and Roundtop Collection for holiday; and Patience Brewster, Laughing Elephant and Mina Lee for greeting cards. Also carries antiques. Special events include a Fall and Christmas premier, a Witch's Night Out and Thursday night seminars. Prides itself on great customer service, merchandise selection and involvement in the community.

Maple Tree Gallery Danville, KY

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist founded in 1983. Offers promotional to high end lines in 2,500 square feet of selling space. Also sells online. Has three employees, including two salespeople. Also offers custom framing. Major vendors include Root Candles for candles; Crabtree & Evelyn and Niven Morgan for personal care; Zarah for jewelry; Tag and Two's Company for holiday; Vietri for tabletop and Italian pottery ; and Patience Brewster and Curly Girl Design for greeting cards. Special events include two Gallery Hops each year, a Christmas open house and a Dog Days of Summer sale. www.mapletreegallery.com

Paddington Station Ashland, OR

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: $1 million–$2.9 million

Gift and home accent specialist founded in 1973. Offers promotional to mid-priced lines in 8,000 square feet of selling space. Has 12 employees. Key vendors include Tyler Candle, Pacifica and Colonial Candle for candles; Crabtree & Evelyn, Pacifica, Kiss Me In The Garden and Enchanted Meadow/Golden Bough for personal care; Far Fetched, Jody Coyote and ZAD for jewelry; Midwest, Department 56 and RAZ Imports for holiday and Papyrus, Sunrise Greetings and Shannon Martin for greeting cards. Also carries women's apparel. Special events include a monthly social event, an annual open house party and a preferred customer loyalty program. Acts as a ticket outlet for local theaters and groups. Prides itself on its exceptional service, broad product selection and ever-changing mix. www.paddingtonstationashland.com

Prescott General Store Prescott, AZ

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist founded in 1997. Offers promotional to mid-priced lines in 712 square feet of selling space. Has two employees. Major vendors include The Naked Bee and Honey House for personal care; Catherine Lillywhite's for holiday and Sunrise Greetings and Greeting Place for greeting cards. Holds a warehouse sale and an after Christmas sale each year. Product mix is country, seasonal and old-fashioned. Is changing product to only American made, including local merchandise. www.prescottgeneralstore.com

Rainbow Wicker & Silks Winter Haven, FL

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: $1 million–$2.9 million

Home furnishings and gift specialist, founded in 1982. Offers mid-priced lines in 12,500 square feet of selling space. Has 10 employees. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, personal care/aromatherapy, gift books, stationery, greeting cards, photo frames, wall art, CDs/music, home textiles, permanent florals, bath linens, custom floral designs and wicker furniture. Major vendors include Root Candles for candles; Thymes and Aromatique for personal care; and Sullivans, H.T. Ardinger & Son, RAZ Imports and Winward for holiday. Offers home decorating services and holds an annual two-day Christmas open house. Merchandises through vignettes and themes. www.rainbowwickerandsilks.com

Santoro & Company Bridgeton, NJ

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist founded in 1996. Offers upper-middle price points in 6,000 square feet of selling space. Has two salespeople. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, tabletop/serveware, fashion accents, accent rugs, jewelry, photo frames, wall art, glassware/crystal, home textiles, permanent florals, and estate pieces and antiques. Major vendors include CBK, IMAX and C D M for holiday products. Special events include numerous events to assist the local community and an annual holiday open house and outdoor light show. Constantly changes product mix and displays. www.santoroandco.com

Serendipity House Acworth, GA

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Home furnishings and gift specialist founded in 1995. Is located in a circa 1879 Queen Anne Victorian home. Has 4,200 square feet of selling space. Has five employees. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, personal care, tabletop/serveware, gift books, fashion accents, baby and tween items, gourmet foods, accent rugs, jewelry, greeting cards, photo frames, wall art, plush, CDs/music, home textiles, permanent florals, gift baskets and garden accessories. Major vendors include Yankee Candle and Root Candles for candles; Enchanted Meadow/Golden Bough and Camille Beckman for personal care; Jody Coyote, Pandora Jewelry and Wah for jewelry; RAZ Imports, Roman, Sullivans and Manual Woodworkers & Weavers for holiday; and Shade Tree Creations, Bottman Design and Life Sighs for greeting cards. Special events include Historic Downtown Acworth First Fridays, Annual Birthday Party and Sale, Christmas in July, Dixie Highway Yard Sale and Labor Day Sale on the Porch. Offers home decor, holiday decorating and foods, gift wrapping and table setting classes. www.serendipityhouse.biz

Silver Papery Austin, TX

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Stationery specialist founded in 2002. Offers promotional to high-end lines in 1,450 square feet of selling space. Also sells online. Has four employees. Carries gift books, stationery, greeting cards, photo frames, invitations and paper-related gifts. Major greeting card vendors include Notes & Queries, Smudge Ink, You Send Me and Great Arrow. Special events include book signings, speakers and trunk shows. Describes its merchandising as uncluttered and modern. Prides itself on its customer service and selection. www.silverpapery.com

Sparrow's Nest Johnson City, TN

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist founded in 2005. Offers promotional to high end lines in 2,500 square feet of selling space. Has four employees. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, personal care/aromatherapy, collectibles, tabletop/serveware, gift books, fashion accents, toys/games/puzzles, gourmet foods, accent rugs, housewares, stationery, jewelry, greeting cards, photo frames, wall art, plush, CDs/music, home textiles, permanent florals, baby products, furniture and antiques. Major vendors include Swan Creek Candle and Caldrea for candles; Gianna Rose Atelier and Caldrea for personal care; Ho Tae, Beyond Words, Designs by Leehee, Baroni, Far Fetched, National Jewelry Co., Pick Up Sticks Jewelry, Solange, Ganz, Jody Coyote, Trish Waldron and Three Sisters Silver for jewelry; RAZ Imports, CBK, Ganz, Two's Company, Willow Tree, Gerson International, Now Designs, Dicksons, Caspari, Silvestri, ESC Trading Co., Tender Heart Treasures, Peking Handicraft, Roundtop Collections and Shea's Wildflower for holiday; and Shannon Martin, Bottman Designs, Caspari, Gina B. Designs and Cynthia Webb Designs for greeting cards. Prides itself on making customers feel at home. Offers free coffee and spiced tea. Special events include spring, fall and holiday open houses.

Stone Fence Madison, WI

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist in business since 1972. Offers promotional to mid-priced lines in 1,200 square feet of selling space. Is mall-based. Has eight employees. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, personal care/aromatherapy, collectibles, tabletop/serveware, gift books, fashion accents, accent rugs, stationery, jewelry, greeting cards, photo frames, CDs/music, permanent florals, licensed products and baby products. Key vendors include Yankee Candle, Beanpod Candles, Colonial Candle and Northern Lights for candles; Thymes and Crabtree & Evelyn for personal care; Holly Yashi, Vessel Amber and Moda for jewelry; Department 56, Roman and Midwest for holiday; and Pictura, Santoro, Little Fish, Lang and Renaissance for greeting cards. Merchandises by season and color. Prides itself on being current, but not trendy.

The Feathered Nest Chanute, KS

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home decor specialist founded in 1999. Offers mid-priced lines in 2,300 square feet of selling space. Has five employees. Carries candles, diffusers, holiday, spa/aromatherapy, collectibles, tabletop/serveware, gift books, gourmet foods, accent rugs, housewares, stationery, jewelry, greeting cards, photo frames, wall art, plush, CDs/music, glassware/crystal, home textiles, permanent florals, licensed products, gift baskets, baby products and antiques. Major vendors include A Cheerful Giver, Soy Basics and Virginia Candle/WoodWick for candles; Ganz, Habitat and Caldrea for personal care; RAZ Imports, Bethany Lowe Designs, Enesco Group, Lang Companies, Department 56 and Midwest for holiday; and Legacy and Lang Companies for greeting cards. Offers a wedding and baby registry, gift wrap, local delivery and layaway. Special events include porch sales, anniversary sales and holiday open houses, as well as promotional drawings. Prides itself on keeping merchandise and displays fresh, showing and sharing creative ideas and having excellent customer service. www.featherednestonline.com

The Guild Paducah, KY

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and fabric specialist in business since 2003. Offers mid-priced to high end lines in 5,000 square feet of selling space. Has one employee. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, personal care/aromatherapy, tabletop/serveware, gift books, fashion accents, toys/games/puzzles, stationery, jewelry, greeting cards, photo frames, plush, CDs/music, home textiles and baby products, as well as sewing items such as sewing machines, fabric, notions and patterns. Major vendors include Votivo for candles; Burt's Bees for personal care; Heartstrings for jewelry; and Pomegranate for greeting cards. Offers sewing, quilting, knitting and smocking classes. Holds seasonal open houses. www.theguildllc.com

The Heights Gallery Little Rock, AR

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift specialist founded in 1979. Offers promotional to high end lines in 1,600 square feet of selling space. Has two full-time and five part-time employees. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, tabletop/serveware, stationery, jewelry, greeting cards, photo frames, wall art, glassware/crystal and original art. Major vendors include Legend Designs for jewelry; Kurt Adler, Midwest, Department 56 and Roman for holiday; and Pilgrim Imports for greeting cards. Special events include receptions for local artists and two holiday open houses. Describes its merchandising as colorful and ever-changing. Prides itself on its display windows.

The Peddler Essex, CT

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist in business since 1967. Offers mid-priced lines in 700 square feet of selling space. Has two employees. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, personal care/aromatherapy, tabletop/serveware, gift books, stationery, jewelry, greeting cards, photo frames, wall art, plush, CDs/music, permanent florals and licensed products. Major vendors include Colonial Candle for candles; Bronnley of London-USA and Dionis for personal care; Silver Seasons and Hand & Hammer Silversmiths for jewelry; Midwest and Kurt Adler for holiday; and Caspari and Carol Wilson Fine Arts for greeting cards. Stresses customer service.

The Pleasantree Fairfield, OH

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: $1.1 million

Gift and home accent specialist in business since 1988. Offers mid-priced lines in 3,500 square feet of selling space. Has 17 employees, including a 14-member sales team. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, personal care/aromatherapy, collectibles, gift books, fashion accents, toys/games/puzzles, gourmet foods, stationery, jewelry, greeting cards, photo frames, wall art, plush, CDs/music, glassware/crystal, home textiles, permanent florals, licensed products and baby products. Key vendors include Yankee Candle, Virginia Candle/WoodWick and Soy Basics for candles; Crabtree & Evelyn for personal care; Chamilia, Kameleon, Annaleece and Jody Coyote for jewelry; Midwest, RAZ Imports, Ganz and Roman for holiday; and Dolly Mama's and Greeting Place for greeting cards. Special events include a men's night out during the holidays, bag sales, jewelry events and open houses.

The Rag Doll Pioche, NV

One Store. Estimated 2007 total sales: Less than $1 million

Gift and home accent specialist, established in 1987. Offers promotional to mid-priced lines in 1,400 square feet of selling space. Carries candles/candle accessories, holiday, personal care/aromatherapy, collectibles, gift books, fashion accents, toys/games/puzzles, stationery, jewelry, greeting cards, photo frames, wall art, plush, CDs/music, glassware/crystal, home textiles, permanent florals, licensed products and baby products. Major vendors include McCalls Country Canning and Mole Hollow Candles for candles; Camille Beckman for personal care; Blake Brothers West Inn for jewelry; Hanna's Handiworks and First & Main for holiday; and Leanin' Tree and Marian Heath Greeting Cards for greeting cards. Special events include Mother's Day, Anniversary and Christmas sales. Describes itself as being conveniently located in the middle of nowhere.