Apr 15, 2007

Roseville gift store’s owner says the smoke is making her sick, but moving may be very costlyBy Blair Anthony RobertsonSacBee.com

Lu Winslow owns and operates an exclusive Roseville gift shop, which means she sells you things you want but don’t necessarily need.

“My average customers are middle-aged grandmas. I’m a frivolous store,” she said with a smile.

Indeed, the tastefully appointed Gifts & More has an inventory ranging from a $230 ceramic rooster to a diaper bag with the inscription, “When a child is born so is a grandmother.”

Located in an upscale shopping center on Douglas Boulevard near the Granite Bay boundary, the shop has also become Winslow’s personal prison, albeit one with Crabtree & Evelyn lotions and Royal Doulton tea cups.

Wide-eyed, Winslow nods toward the electrical outlets on the wall near her cash register.

“It’s coming through the electrical plugs,” said the 52-year-old shop owner, standing behind the counter.

The “it” is the cigar smoke coming from Old Havana Cigar Co., which makes its money on the appeal of fine-smelling cigars.

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