The Localista can appreciate that some of you may not go for the whole “Valentine’s Day” thing; however, many of you probably do, and maybe wanted to learn about another local option where you can shop for your sweetie.  Well, look no further than The Gift Box. Talk about a treasure trove of gift ideas!  You would really be hard-pressed to walk in and not find something for anyone and everyone on your list. They carry jewelry, scarves, bags, home accessories, baby items – and those are just a few of the categories! 

 

This “little local box” opened in May of last year and is owned by Judy Bailey and Linda Albrecht. Judy, a native of West Virginia, has run her own interior design firm, Brandy’s Interiors, for over 30 years. Linda Albrecht, originally from Hershey, PA, has run Image Creations of Florida with her husband since 1996 – it’s a cast paper, framing and art company.   Judy and Linda’s professional paths crossed three years ago and a friendship developed. They discovered that they both really love Downtown St. Pete. In addition to sharing a mutual love for Downtown, they both felt it was lacking an upscale, but affordable, gift shop. Despite their husbands’ reservations, they decided to forge ahead, while still maintaining their respective other businesses running. They were one of the first to open on the side street that is now branding itself as “The Shops at 400 Beach” and they’re pleased with how things have been going. Fellow owners of “The Shops at 400 Beach” are supportive of each other and cross-promote as much as they can.  They’ve been placing flags out for special occasions to tie all of the businesses together (you’ll probably notice some red ones up for Valentine’s and green ones will go up for St. Paddy’s Day).

 

I was quite blown away by their front window display and its featured chandelier, both of which get decorated on a monthly basis.  The Gift Box may not have been around for very long, but their window display is already a topic of conversation among neighbors, visitors, etc. Speaking of visitors, as the Vinoy sends many of its guests their way, Judy and Linda consider themselves ambassadors for St. Pete.  They don’t just extol the virtues of our city; they also send business over to other local shops like Shapiro’s and Uniquely Yours. They actually make it a point to check out what others are carrying so they don’t carry the same items.

 

The Gift Box is actually the only shop in our area to stock certain lines. For example, they have a special agreement with artist Romero Britto for some of his items; they’re also one of the few places where you’ll find BICO from Australia (the hand-polished, silver-plated, pewter jewelry).  Fans of all things local, take note – they also feature local artists, such as jewelry designer Leslie Belcher-Huston.  I was really impressed with not only the breadth of their inventory, but their affordable prices too!

 

It may be cliché to say, but I think The Gift Box is a gift to the ‘Burg. It’s up to you to make sure it not only survives its first year, but is around for many, many more years to come.   

 

The Localista always asks business owners what was their favorite book as a child. Judy’s was Heidi and Linda’s was Bambi (A Life in the Woods).

 

thegiftboxstpete.com

“The Localista,” aka Olga Bof, plans to open her own local and independent business, Cheeky Monkeys Books & Toys, in Downtown St. Pete (www.facebook.com/cheekymonkeysbooks for updates). 



Photography provided by Featured Artist of the Burg (FAB) Sheri Kendrick of Enchanted Forest Photography(www.efpgallery.com).



Both Olga and Sheri are founding board members of the Independent Business Alliance,Keep Saint Petersburg Local. 



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