Business notebook: Shopping for local and last-minute gifts

WARWICK - The numbers aren’t in yet, but if the weather had anything to do with it, the Warwick Merchants probably enjoyed a great “Home for the Holidays” Christmas shopping season. One reason that’s important is because for many downtown merchants, Christmas sales are “break or make” for the entire year. For some it represents 30 to 40 percent of the year’s income. Historically, sales increase more than 10 per cent in the last week before Christmas and this year, there is also a full weekend for last minute shoppers. Warwick’s downtown merchants will be on hand all weekend and many still have “wish lists” leftover from Men’s Night Out. They have a great selection of quality merchandise, expert advice, offer a pleasant shopping experience and free gift-wrapping. And if something is the wrong size or color, you don’t have to drive 40 miles to exchange it. If you still haven’t a clue as to what gift to buy, there are Gift Certificates in $5 and $10 denominations that are accepted at almost all of Warwick’s shops and restaurants. The Warwick Merchants appreciate all the support they have been receiving from the community and they are returning the favor by sponsoring the “Angel Tree” and the annual warm clothing “Coat Drive,” both established for needy residents served by The Alamo and the Ecumenical Food Pantry. Downtown shoppers also enjoy free parking during the holiday season while they view the well-decorated shops along with Santa’s sleigh and spectacular lighting in Railroad Green and the Christmas Tree, Menorah and Nativity Scene in Lewis Park. Local residents are urged to save gas and spend their remaining Christmas shopping money in their hometown. For the last event during the “Home for the Holiday’s” season, everyone is invited to celebrate Christmas Eve caroling at Warwick’s Old School Baptist MeetingHouse. A new facial in town Here’s a last minute gift idea that most women will appreciate. It’s a gift certificate for a facial or other skin care service. Glenn Bryon Hair Studio, 8 West St., Warwick, recently opened a new spa above the hair salon, and Erin Honorio, a licensed esthetician (skin care specialist) is on hand Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. She also serves as an esthetician in Manhattan but would eventually like to spend more time working closer to her home in Warwick. Honorio, who attended the International Dermal Institute in San Francisco, was director of a medical skin care center in California where she worked for a physician. She has been a skin care specialist for the past eight years. At the new Glenn Bryon Spa Honorio offers a variety of facials customized to each person’s needs. “I also offer full body and face waxing specializing in eyebrows as well as spa manicures and pedicures,” she said. The spa is also open Thursdays when Lisa Osborne, who specializes in eyebrow waxing, is on duty. To make an appointment or order a gift certificate call 987-1150. Bon appetit! La Petite Cuisine, 20 Railroad Ave., Warwick, recently held an evening “Gourmet Tasting” event with special gourmet dishes served with French cider.. “Part of the idea,” said owner Pat Flynn, “was to let the public know that we offer catering for private parties.” La Petite Cuisine is one of the most popular eateries in Warwick. It is especially so during warmer weather when it’s outdoor café is filled with day-trippers as well as local residents. The French style catering menu offers a large selection of gourmet treats including assorted savory tartes, cheeses and fruits, Brie en Croute, mini baguette sandwiches and assorted vegetable salads. For information call 988-0988. Featured artist at Backyard Grill Pine Island artist Ann Yungman who pursued her passion for painting and gardening after retiring at age 57, passed away in March 2006. She was 89. Yungman had studied under Betty Kaytes at the Ridgewood Art Institute of New Jersey. The Yungman family is now sharing her works with the community. Yungman’s paintings are now on display at the Backyard Grill & Café, 31 Forester Ave., Warwick. Owner Bill Leech invites everyone to stop by to see this special exhibit.