Finding a new gift for anyone.
By: Al Wicklund
JAMESBURG To Gerrie Wozniak, her new shop, the Little Shop of Treasures, is a place where someone "can find a gift for anyone."
And, when someone visits the 28 W. Railroad Ave. store, he or she will have a tough time arguing with Ms. Wozniak’s point of view.
When it comes to gifts, the Little Shop has a long list of available items.
What gives the shop an added dimension for gift-seekers is the creativity that Ms. Wozniak and the artists who work with her are willing to tap to provide a gift that’s special.
"We’re trying for personalized service. The shop has gifts for anyone or for any event. We personalize party favors. We can provide custom-work ceramics and we have a large inventory of attractive items available on our shelves," she said.
Ms. Wozniak and her husband, John, opened the shop in May. They are Jamesburg residents. She has been involved in sewing, painting and carpentry for some 30 years, starting when she was a preteen She has worked as a customer service manager and store manager for decorating, art and household décor businesses.
She said and her husband love the borough.
"Jamesburg is a friendly town and a walking town. Passers-by will stop in the shop and browse.
"We had a woman stop in looking for a clear crystal box for a collectible miniature piano. It took us two to three weeks, but we found what she was looking for," Ms. Wozniak said.
She said one of the assets for her shop and for others in the neighborhood is Mendoker’s Bakery, which is next door.
"People come from all over for Mendoker’s. Very often married couples will come shopping.
"While one goes to the bakery, the other will stop in here and look around. It works beautifully for us. We’ve met a lot of interesting people and had some become steady customers.
"We’ve also had talented artists stop in and talk about things they’re working on, including some things we’re interested in offering for sale," Ms. Wozniak said.
She said the shop has a request book for shoppers looking for particularly unusual or hard-to-find gifts.
She said the shop has gift areas including a children’s area, babies and bridal, home décor, artworks and cards.
Ms. Wozniak said among the gift items are jewelry, statues, plant holders, photo albums, Victorian accessories, candle holders, mailboxes and a variety of unusual checkbook covers.
Also, original artwork, floral art pieces, gift baskets, frames, decorator pillows, trinket boxes, and photo-card holders.
Also, crystal pieces, mirrors, dolls, toys, birdhouses, trays, religious pieces and chocolates.
Ms. Wozniak said she and her husband had thought about the shop for several years.
"Recently, the store became available when East Brunswick glass moved out. We said, ‘Let’s do it.’ And, happily, here we are," she said.
She said the store hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
The shop’s phone/fax is 732-521-7795.