Swank Gifts opens Downtown
Julie Hartten started businesses that sold martini glasses and huge stuffed animals before she got the idea of opening a gift shop in Downtown Toledo. When she saw an available storefront space at the corner of South Saint Clair Street and Lafayette Street next to Downtown Latte, she decided to meld her two ventures, Swank Martini and Giant Stuffed Animals.
The result is Swank Gifts, a shop that carries a huge variety of items, including purses, wallets, hand-painted scarves, jewelry, stationery, fresh flowers, toys, chocolates, and, of course, a variety of martini glasses and a giant giraffe stuffed animal.
“It’s bright, cheerful, fun stuff,” said Therese King, an employee.
She added that the store also carries hand puppets and marionettes.
“They sell, too,” King said.
Hartten said all of the pieces would otherwise be hard to find in the area. Her top priority is keeping the merchandise affordable; nothing in the store costs more than $50, and most items cost less than $20. Hartten pointed out, for instance, that a customer could find a pair of sterling silver earrings made by a local artist for $10.
