The Store Room: Spring 2010

Q. What are the common frustrations experienced when dealing with vendors and how do you think things could be improved?"Terry Blumer Woodland Park Zoo Seattle, Wash. The most common frustration I have with vendors is... more »

Profile 2010: Suzanne Young

Suzanne Young dreamed many years ago of owning her own shop. Last September, it came true when she purchased the Mustard Seed gift shop from Joy Collins.A Selma native and 27-year-old business owner, Young relishes... more »

The more the merrier: A college student joins community of North Lawrence retailers

In North Lawrence, you're both in and out of town. The river is a powerful psychological divide.With its blue collar, live-and-let-live vibe and roomy backyards with abundant vegetable gardens, its biker bars and tattoo parlors,... more »

Historic North Vandergrift store up for auction

For nearly 74 years, the Rowley General Store in North Vandergrift supplied families whose homes dotted the Kiski River Valley.In 2001, the historic landmark turned into a gift shop, but it eventually closed, too.On March... more »

Birch Paperie showcases Northwest boutique card, paper and gift lines

A manufacturer's representative for letterpress cards and paper lines, Tamara Gellert had been working out of her home office for seven years when she decided it was time to shake things up. "I wanted to... more »

Small Brunswick shop Pearls & Pretties has a big following thanks to wide selection

Pearls & Pretties, 1733 Pearl Road, Brunswick, in the Laurel Square Shopping Center, has earned a loyal following of shoppers over its 25 years in business, thanks to owner Alice Taller. In fact, the day... more »

TMC’s Botique in Long Hill displays artists in cozy atmosphere

Long Hill — When new — or sometimes repeat — customers enter Linda Tribuna's small TMC's Boutique, they are offered a five-minute tour of the shop's jewelry, artwork, womens' accessories and other gift items, she... more »

Douglas Company Is Wild About Wildlife

Keene, NH — Bears and Wolves and Moose, oh my! Soft toy and lifestyle gift creator Douglas Company is taking a walk on the wild side in 2010 with a forest full of new wildlife... more »

Taste of home

With hundreds of farms, craftspeople and artisans in the Pacific Northwest, even Dorene Kirkingburg – while setting up her locally-made gift store in Olde Towne St. Helens – is learning of new regional products everyday.Kirkingburg,... more »

The future tastes good

"You are about to make a new friend," "You are cautious in showing your true self to others," "Help, I'm trapped in a fortune cookie factory!"The fortune cookie.Break it open and just discover your destiny,... more »