Jan 27, 2008

Seniors Center gift shop benefits from merchandise made locallyBy Aldrich M. TanTheNorthwestern.com

Not many people knew that the Oshkosh Seniors Center had a gift shop.

That’s no longer true since the store moved to a new location with a new marketing strategy, said Antonia Anand, Oshkosh Seniors Center store volunteer manager.

Originally located in the main building, the gift shop moved to the entrance of the north building two months ago, Anand said. The store originally had limited merchandise, specifically jewelry and plain sweatshirts. Then, Anand’s friend Patsy Pomplun painted snowmen on the sweatshirts for the new store. The merchandise went flying off the shelves.

Anand knew she was onto something. Now, Anand focuses on selling merchandise made created locally, especially by those who take advantage of the Oshkosh Seniors Center. The incentive improved business because it increased the merchandise’s quality and helps support local artists, she said.

Such local artists include Mae Ziebell, 95, who knits hats and scarves for the Center and now for the gift shop. Ziebell said she enjoys making the merchandise for the gift shop.

“Well, it is something that I can do and it gives me something to do,” she said.

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