Blog

Story and Photos By Nicole Richardson

Florissant, especially Old Town, is home to many small businesses you may not have had the pleasure of visiting. Now is the perfect time of year to venture out and support your community by shopping local. Tis the season to get creative and truly show loved ones you put thought into their gifts. What better way, than to find one-of-a-kind trinkets to match the one-of-a-kind recipients?

Florissant offers a touch of everything and depending on what theme you choose, our local stores can make it happen. From clothes to hair to food to novelties, we have it all here. When deciding what to buy someone, really think about what they would love or need and go from there. Something as simple as a framed picture from Korte’s or a gift certificate for a haircut can become favorite and much-remembered presents.

Debborah Knop, owner of Deb’s Hair Salon, has been in business a total of 38 years, 24 of which have been in Old Town. Debborah’s shop is brimming with cheer and jubilance. There is a very close-knit feeling in the shop, as some of her customers have been with her all 38 years.

“Some of them have followed me shop to shop,” said Knop, “I do their kids’ hair and their grandkids even!” Some of the customer’s even depend on the staff to pick them up and take them home so they can make their appointments.

For a practical casual gift, try Goeke’s Produce. Run by sisters Lynne Combest and Karen Wibracht, who have been in business 22 years, there is more than meets the eye here. The family owned store has lots of variety and offers custom made gift baskets, if ordered early enough.

Aside from the  fresh produce, the store is home to over 300 spices, 90 of which are under

one dollar. They also have chocolate, Chauvin gourmet coffees, Amish popcorns, dried fruits, homemade salsas and jams, among many other local products.

Another Old Town gem is Andrea’s Boutique. Opened two years ago by Andrea D’Angelo, it boasts a plethora of interesting items. From clothes to handbags, shoes to wall art, there is an eclectic blend of things in this quaint store.

D’Angelo refers to her inventory as a “hodge-podge of old and new” and the shop is immaculately organized for a consignment boutique, thanks to new shelving units. There is a real feeling of warmth from the moment of entry and Andrea takes the time to ask questions about what her customers are looking for in order to guide them to the best suited items.

There are many choices for gift giving in this cute little shop, but recently Andrea gave her father the best gift of all-the gift of life. Seven weeks ago she gave her father a kidney transplant and has become a huge advocate for the procedure.

“Going through this process has made me realize this issue is more present than we think and if anyone has any questions, I’d be happy to answer them,” said D’Angelo.

Maybe some fine jewelry from Don Henefers would do the trick. Their selection is vast and includes such things as fine jewelry, silver fashion jewelry, key chains, money clips, and even Henefer brand watches.