Published: December 04, 2008 01:47 am      

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Small retailers doing well by offering big variety

Every Nook & Cranny at 151 East Ave. and Johnson’s Country Store at 6221 Robinson Road may be on opposite sides of Christmas shopping spectrum, but business appears good at the locally owned stores.

Every Nook & Cranny is a women’s sanctuary across the street from the post office. Johnson’s Country Store must be considered a guy’s place, but during the Christmas season, there may be as many women as men shopping.

Just Lookin at 38 Main St. helps shoppers revisit the past, with more than 30 vendors in the consignment shop.

Linda and Bruce Flagler operated the Secret Attic in Middleport before moving to Lockport. “My husband tells everybody we’re recession-proof,” Linda said. “We’re fine. It’s a feel-good store that makes women feel good.”

There are lots of phrases to ponder at the Flaglers’ Every Nook & Cranny, but the sign, “Surround yourself with the things you love,” may be most appropriate.

The shop that has 12 rooms, and all of them filled to the nooks and crannies. The smell of a Yankee Candle fills the house that was once operated by the Mental Health Association.

“It’s something every woman loves,” said Linda. “It’s like a big craft show that came to town and stayed in town.”

There are 60 candle fragrances available along the back wall, and Webkinz displayed — inviting grownups to buy the stuffed animal for their children. Webkinz have secret code cards that when put into a computer, let the kids play virtual games.

“It’s a hot commodity for the children,” Linda said. “Every month, they come out with a new ones.”

The Webkinz cost $12.95, and complete outfits are available.

The place is packed. “What’s not to like?” said Carrie McCourt of Lockport. “There are so many things to look at and the atmosphere is warming.”

Stephanie Verratti, who grew up on Lockport and lives in Gasport, had been a customer at the Secret Attic. “I’m here for a holiday gift exchange and I was looking for something for a friend. It’s great. We’re women. We like the phrases and fun things to think about for decorating your house.”

A sign on the staircase reads: “Wish for want, work for what you need.”

“Johnson’s Country Store with More” not only sells, buys and trades guns, but offers archery equipment, tackle, footwear, clothes and gifts. Books for children and candy are also handy.

Lacey Duemmer of Wilson does not normally shop at the store, but left with a Christmas present. Dawn Santillo and her son, Nick, stopped in from Clarence Center.

Dawn has a pistol permit, and Nick likes to target shoot. He was shopping for an AR-15, a semi-automatic rifle patterned after the fully automatic M16, but Johnson’s was out of stock.

“It’s too bad. They usually have AR-15s and M16s and stuff like that,” he said. “They are usually a lot of fun because the magazine holds 30 shots, but they sold them all out because of the Obama election. I don’t even hunt. I just like target shooting.”

Dawn Santillo explained, “They believe the gun laws are going to change because of Obama, and everybody went out and bought them the day before the election. The day before the election they had them, and the day after the election, they’re gone.”

The store offers items for little sportsmen, information on camping and scouting.

Just Lookin was purchased by Rocky Honkomp on Sept. 1 from Linda and Dan Roberts who are retired, but still vendors.

“Business is very strong, up from last year,” Honkomp said. Nostalgia items that carry people back to childhood, bring customers into the store.

There are older toys and utensils grandmother used to use. “Things that bring back memories go well,” he said.