Apr 4, 2008

Claypool’s Gift & Home Co. offers enormous selection in emporium-like storeBy Marcia OxfordLedger-Dispatch.com

On Thursday, April 17, Claypool’s Gift & Home Co. in the Martell complex will hold its official grand opening. For customers streaming into the venue since its soft opening in late March, the experience can only be described as flabbergasting.

Fred Claypool, one of the owners, says most people who enter the store, say, “Wow. This is huge.” Claypool is the idea man behind the store, but he credits his daughters Melissa Giuffra and Kim McHenry with execution of the concept.

“After 55 years in the food business, it was time for me to change occupations,” he said. Claypool formerly owned grocery stores in Ione and Pine Grove. “I discovered this program that was a dollar store-plus as well as a program on the Internet. We went to Las Vegas to meet with the people who put the idea together. They have a trial store there where they test merchandise for quality and customer acceptance. We started looking for a place in Amador County and ended up with two programs in one building, the dollar plus and home store blended.”

The blend is highlighted in selections in more than 30 departments which include toys at a dollar up to handsome furnishings which cost figures with more zeros at the end. The family figures they carry about 10,000 items, roughly 1,000 per square foot in the capacious store. And while one might be tempted to say they have almost everything under one roof, they plan to add to their inventory, bringing in large area rugs, bedding, including complete bed sets in a container, glassware, and other items they believe customers will find compelling.

A walk around the store reveals the enormity of choices – from decorative lamps, chairs, chests, mirrors and side tables to decorator glass, silk pillows embellished with beads and embroidery, faux flowers, kitchen ware and serving pieces, water fountains, framed art, a huge toy section, candles in all shapes, sizes and colors, and unique salt lamps and candleholders. These last provide glowing luminescence to areas and are purported to relieve symptoms of asthma, sinus and allergies.

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