The Citizen, 2007-05-17, Page 17Everyone knows that hockey isCanada’s favourite winter sport. Butwho would have thought it could filla store on main street?
Janice Peters and Jennifer Avery
formed a friendship driving their
daughters to hockey games. The Gift
Cupboard, which opened its doors in
Blyth last week, came about as a
result of “too much time in cars” and
“shared hotel rooms” the two
women laugh.
When their daughters became
friends, and with their games being
played far afield the families began
carpooling. And an idea began to
take shape.
“Jennifer was the gift shop girl at a
pharmacy in Mitchell,” explained
Peters, who lives in Blyth. “I
suggested that she should come open
a store here.”
Avery, who lives east of Walton,
said her decision wasn’t made
quickly. “I kept saying I’d have to
think about it.”
But with the support of her family
and co-workers she decided to make
the jump to business owner, and
bring Peters along. “I wanted her to
do this, but I never thought she’d ask
me to be a partner,” said Peters.
“Janice is such a great person
and so easy to work with,” said
Avery.
Having leased a building at the
corner of Dinsley and Queen Streets,
the pair and their spouses spent
hours getting the storefront in shape
and ready to open in time for
Mother’s Day.
“Our families have been very
encouraging and both husbands havebeen so supportive in helping us getstarted,” said Avery.With her 16 years in the giftwarebusiness, Avery said she has mademany contacts that made it easier toput the inventory together as well.
They offer home decor items,
assorted prints, quilts, candles,
cards, chocolate purses and
jewellery.
“The goal is to have something to
meet every need, whether you’re
looking for that birthday gift for a
nine-year-old, or a baby gift,” Avery
said.
The Gift Cupboard is open
Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. until
5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours will be
extended on Festival performance
days.
Though there are other stores
offering gift items, Avery and Peters
feel there’s room for more.
“I’d love to see more businesses
open. If you establish amicable
relationships and respect businesses
that are similar to yours by offering
different products, you simply give
people one more reason to come
downtown,” said Avery. “Janice saw
a need to offer a little more to the
community.”
The people in turn have been “very
welcoming, very accepting,” she
adds.
And with the hockey season
over, these friends now have
another good reason to spend time
together.
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2007. PAGE 17. Women open the Cupboard on main street
New to you
Jennifer Avery, left, and Janice Peters have opened The Gift Cupboard on Blyth’s main street
at the corner of Queen and Dinsley. (Bonnie Gropp photo)
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