The biggest change is the placement of the counter on the first floor, which has been moved to the middle of the room. As a result, the first floor looks larger and has more room to walk around -- which is great now but will be especially helpful when the shop is full during Christmas season.
Cheri the decorator extraordinaire has set up little boutique vignettes around the store. She has incorporated some fun new product. Against the back wall you'll find a spa section that includes Camille Beckman creams and lotions. We also have soft pajamas in this section, as well as one of Fay's favorites from March: the happiness message boards. All of these items will help you treat yourself to a little luxury.
One of my favorite trends that started last year and is carrying over into this year is mushrooms. They can be found in books, ornaments, and home decor items. We've set up the new mushroom display on an old tree-stump.
Along with the mushrooms, woodland gnomes are popular this year. The two were displayed together in many showrooms at the market in Atlanta. Brightly colored gnome candles are a fun way to keep up with the gnome trend this spring. The spring colors make them whimsical, festive, and just too cute. You can find these guys in the candle section on the first floor. They would be fun to decorate the center of an Easter table or an outdoor table for the warm weather get-togethers you will be having soon.
With Easter Sunday just a few weeks away, the display of Easter decor is now out. On the first floor counter we've put a large basket with bunnies, eggs, and lambs made out of textured tissue paper. It is hard to resist feeling the textured surface of the bunnies.
You'll find some changes on the second floor as well. The case behind the counter is now home to the Department 56 houses and accessories. The Wendt and Kuhn German figurines have been moved to a red display case in the front of the counter.
Come visit the shop and take a look around. We think you'll enjoy all the changes we've made. I was stunned to see the new counter. I just stood there and stared for a few minutes -- and wondered why we hadn't done it long ago; it looks so much better and make so much more sense now. I think you will have the same reaction when you see it!