Gift shop to open in Cambridge
The letters that once spelled out Humphrey’s Barber Shop on a store front windowpane in downtown Cambridge were recently removed to make way for a new business.
For several decades, the address of 103 North Prospect Street was home to this family operated small town barber shop. Having recently moved the family business to his residence, Dan Humphrey now welcomes his customers to his home location.
Luckily, for this historic rural town, the building didn’t remain vacant for very long before Gaye Lynn Todtz from Geneseo spotted it for her new gift shop. Dave Johnson, owner of the building, has been working with Todtz to paint and update the interior to the new tenant’s liking.
Todtz originally operated a shop with her sister in Clinton, Iowa; however due to unforeseen circumstances she was unable to continue the drive to Clinton each day.
Although Todtz enjoys her online business from home, she also wanted to have a shop where she could sell her specialty handcrafted items such her own stained glass designs. She is especially proud of her Irish Wolfhound design.
"It took me three different profiles, but I finally came up with one that I could use," stated Todtz.
Other items in the store that will be available include Corian cutting boards and napkin holders along with many unique home and garden décor.
The south wall nests ornate bird houses that she says make great bookends. Customers will also find decorative garden fountains made of the material polyresin.
"I especially like the acorn fountain as it is lightweight and easy to clean and move," said Todtz. “For people living in a small space, I suggests purchasing a wall fountain. They are a nice addition to any room and add moisture to the air during the winter months.”
Many of the items in the shop are from the World of Products Catalog. She has the catalogs in the store and people may buy from her display inventory or place an order through her at the shop. She offers 10 percent off almost everything in the shop and pays half the shipping cost if ordered from the catalog through her or from her Web site, which is www.gayesgalleryofgifts.com.
Todtz will even host a party at the shop if customers request her services. She is also available for home parties in the evening
Shoppers visiting the store will be treated to a fresh brewed cup of coffee daily. Todtz plans to open within the next week or two and will host an open house in September. Her scheduled hours from Monday thru Friday will most likely be either 9-5, but may be shortened to 10-4, which ever seems to work out best for her customers. She will also be open in the mornings on Saturdays, but may extend hours based on traffic in the shop.
Todtz is excited about bringing her business to downtown Cambridge. She hopes to complement what is already in town. She believes people will find her items of good quality, affordable and unique. Shoppers will find seasonal discounts along with a clearance table with great values from time to time.
For more information, Todtz may be reached by calling (309) 714-8800.