Business Notebook: A solution to gift giving problems can also benefit the community

Warwick - You may not have a problem deciding on an appropriate graduation gift for that student in your family but what about your friend’s son or daughter? And how do you say, “Thank you,” to teachers, coaches and school bus drivers when school lets out for the long summer vacation? It’s also the season for weddings, confirmations, showers and what-have-you. Chances are you can’t always be sure of an appropriate gift for everyone. Participating Warwick Merchants have a solution. More than 50 local businesses, featuring all types of services and merchandise, now accept Warwick Gift Certificates. And if your favorite shop or restaurant does not, you may want to suggest to the owner that he or she get on board. Future plans call for expanding the program throughout the town to include Pine Island, Florida and Greenwood Lake. The certificates are sold for cash or check in five- and ten-dollar denominations and it’s a good bet that almost every popular shop and restaurant will accept them. Besides offering a solution to a gift-giving problem, the certificates also insure that the money will be spent in Warwick. And dollars spent in Warwick, argue the merchants, stay in Warwick and benefit the entire community. “The ink hasn’t dried on the check for one fund raiser when someone else is asking for another donation,” said George Antoniades, co-owner of G’s Restaurant in echoing the sentiments of many business owners. “They’re all worthy causes, and all of us contribute, but it’s a two-way street. We have bills to pay and if the people in the community do not patronize our businesses, how can we afford to be generous?” Deborah Blomfield, co-owner of Port of Call, argues that shopping in Warwick is in everyone’s self interest. “Real estate values are strong here because we have a viable downtown business district,” she said. “Imagine what would happen to those values if we had empty stores or windows boarded up as you see in some depressed areas. By shopping locally, you’re protecting your most valuable investment.” Warwick Gift Certificates can be purchased at The Inkwell, Newhard’s, Peck’s Wines & Spirits and Victorian Treasures. Kiddie Exchange Everybody likes to save money, especially when buying clothing and other items for fast-growing children. The Kiddie Exchange, a children’s consignment store, recently opened its doors at 636 County Route 1 in Pine Island. The shop is diagonally across the road from the Jolly Onion Restaurant and next to the Pine Island Karate School. The Kiddie Exchange, which has more of the feel of a boutique than a consignment store, offers a selection of children’s clothes from sizes newborn to 14 juniors. There are name-brand items including Gap, Gymboree, Lands End and Osh Kosh and some still have their new tags. The Kiddie Exchange also carries strollers, high chairs, booster seats and many other necessities, all attractively displayed and in like new condition. “Neatness counts,” said Owner Shannon Lo Bello, who lives nearby with her husband Richard and their two children; Daniel, 7, and Sarah, 13. “I’ve shopped at consignment stores for my own children and most of those stores were disorganized. I only display the best clothing and I do it in an neat and organized fashion.” Most of that clothing is priced well below $10 and Lo Bello says shoppers can expect to save from 50 - 80 percent off ordinary retail price tags. “Savings is the biggest reason to shop here,” she said. The Kiddie Exchange is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Credit cards are accepted. For additional information call: 258-2555.