business There’s a Shop-Swap Happening in Gulfport By Laura Mulrooney
CATHY SALUSTRI
“Stella’s swag will include t-shirts, hoodies, baseball hats, coffee mugs and rumor has it there may be a Stella’s Cookbook in the near future,” said Barb Banno, who opened Stella’s Sundries in the Village Courtyard.
Over the past several months, big changes have been in the works for Gulfport’s businesses. LocalShops1 On Thursday, April 30, LocalShops1 founder, Ester Venouziou, announced via Facebook that she would not reopen her brick and mortar location. “We’ve decided we are not going to re-open the shop. With the social distancing guidelines, and whatever the new ‘new’ might be, operating our shop is practically impossible – the space is tiny, and the appeal is to touch and feel things. Not the best combo in the covid/post/covid world.” Like many businesses during Florida’s “Stay-At-Home” orders, Venouziou was forced to close her doors and find an innovative way to continue supporting local business. LocalShops1 launched their online marketplace buylocaltampabay.com. In the same post, Venouziou assured followers that not reopening the shop has actually been for the best. “In the two weeks since we launched the online marketplace, we have had more sales than an entire very-good month at the shop.” The overhead costs that came with having a storefront have greatly diminished and Venouziou is using that opportunity to give 100 percent of sales directly to the local businesses. LocalShops1 doesn’t charge listing fees or take any cuts. Stella’s Sundries Swag & Scullery Stella’s new specialty shop has taken the place of LocalShops1 at 2908-A Beach Blvd S. And yes, it’s that Stella’s. “I have always wanted to be able to have a retail spin off
10
of Stella’s and now being in the Courtyard has allowed me to do so,” explained Stella’s owner Barbara Banno. “Stella’s swag will include t-shirts, hoodies, baseball hats, coffee mugs and rumor has it there may be a Stella’s Cookbook in the near future,” said Banno. “We are looking at some fun and funky kitchen gadgets and who doesn’t love a Nun cocktail napkin, along with other Nun-tastic items.” The Perfect 10 Nail Salon The Perfect 10 Nail Salon is “going back home,” as owner and operator Linda Craig put it. “I spent seven-years at 2914 Beach Blvd. S. before moving to 2908-B Beach Blvd. S. I’m just going home so to speak,” said Craig. She said, “Nothing is changing except my address. 2908B will now be 2914 ½.” Due to the nature of medical pedicures, the steps to her current location have proven difficult for some of her clients, the move will allow easier entry and exit and will provide a quieter and low key atmosphere for the salon. Craig offers diabetic foot care and addresses minor toenail/foot issues such as ingrown toenails, etc. Additional services include spa pedicures and manicures. Craig is by appointment only and can be reached at 727-239-5280. The Gabber As The Perfect 10 Nail Salon transitions out of suite B, the Gabber Newspaper has moved from 1419 49th St. S. into our new little nook in the courtyard, 2908-B Beach Blvd S. If you see us there, feel free to say a (socially distanced) “Hello!” The Gabber can still be reached at 727-321-6965, or by
theGabber.com | July 9 - July 15, 2020
