There’s a new gift shop in town
Lu Lu O’Toole relaxes in her new store in Gig Harbor’s Finholm neighborhood, surrounded by her favorite things. The store is hers from the ground up, from the name, lu lu o’toole, to each item on display.
“This place represents me and my things,” she said. “I’m very picky about the things I carry. My style has been described as ‘electric, eccentric,’ and I just had a friend add ‘edgy’ to the list.”
The store carries vintage and new home decor and gifts in a space that exudes comfort and style. The merchandise ranges from airy sundresses to furniture, kitchen utensils, purses, old-fashioned suitcases, scented candles, baskets and bath items.
The smell of salt water wafts in the open back door, which leads to a balcony that looks directly into the mouth of the harbor.
A customer walks in and starts asking questions about the store, when it opened and how long it’s been here.
O’Toole explains that the store opened Sept. 1 and it occupies the space where “Bloom,” an upscale clothing store, used to be.
Bloom has moved to Uptown Gig Harbor off Point Fosdick Drive.
“We’re so glad you’re here,” the customer says. “Gig Harbor really needs a store like this.”
The store owner jumps up and discusses the fabric wall hanging in which the customer is interested. O’Toole created the piece herself by stretching fabric over frames.
“It’s not exactly hard to get up and come to work in the morning,” O’Toole said. “I have a lot of fabulous neighbors.”
