| In June of 1999, a dream of mine came true when I opened Pauline’s Gifts at 512 Essex Avenue, Gloucester. Having been a decorative painter for over 20 years, the store has given me the ability to use my artistic talent to create unique and affordable artwork for everyone. Each year I hand paint more that 100 different mail boxes, numerous pieces of furniture, watering cans, as well as all types of glassware. One of my favorite projects is hand painting personalized Holiday ornaments. Many customers request a painted ornament to remember a family pet or special occasion.
We also stock the largest selection of decorative and patriotic flags and flag accessories on Cape Ann. Many of our flags, including “The Fisherman” and “Motif #1” are only available at Pauline’s Gifts. These flags are handmade in Massachusetts and make wonderful gifts for any flag enthusiast. Pauline’s Gifts carries a large selection of Marian Heath Greeting cards and Holiday Season cards. Marian Heath, another Massachusetts company, offers quality at an affordable price. Individual cards are priced from $ .40 and their boxed greeting cards start at $3.95 per box. We are proud of our friendly atmosphere. We take pride in our service to our customers whether they live across the country or just down the street. Our goal is to offer affordable gifts for any occasion. We stock garden décor, wind chimes, costume and sterling jewelry. Be sure to visit our kid’s corner and nautical gift area. Please stop in the next time you’re driving by. We’re right on Route 133 on the way to Essex. We offer Free Gift Wrapping, Free Parking and good old fashioned customer service. We can’t wait to see you! 'Pride of New England' West Gloucester gift shop makes its regional mark By Quinn Allen-Wardell Correspondent Local business owner Pauline Bresnahan can officially be called the "Pride of New England." Bresnahan's business, Pauline's Gifts, has been designated one of the best gift shops in New England, after receiving the Boston Gift Show's highest honor, the "Pride of New England Award." The most coveted of all awards given away at the show, the fourth annual "Pride of New England Award" is given in recognition of outstanding customer service, merchandising creativity, community involvement, and — of course — a strong sense of New England pride. Nominated months ago by an anonymous admirer of her store, Bresnahan said she was awestruck by the fact that she had won, beating more than 300 other nominees. "Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that I would actually win," she said. "It is truly an honor to be given this mark of excellence, and I still smile every time I think of accepting that award." After buying the store in 1999, Bresnahan and her husband, Glen, have managed to turn what was a run down second-hand store — located at 512 Essex Ave. in West Gloucester — into not only something of a local landmark, but also the largest distributor of individualized and hand-painted gifts on Cape Ann. "Customers love what we have to offer because no two pieces are alike," Bresnahan said of the work her store showcases. "Each piece has its own story, its own unique quality that you can't find anywhere else on the North Shore. I think New England is also very much like that. Where we live is unlike any other place in the world ... we're just about as unique as it gets." Bresnahan says she's now turning her attention toward the Gifts & Decorative Accessories Retailer Excellence Awards competition — a widely recognized national competition that could push Pauline's Gifts even further into the limelight. After being specifically asked by the editor-in-chief of Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine, Caroline Kennedy, to enroll in the competition, she believed that an appearance in a major competition would be "a step in the right direction for Pauline's Gifts." Although the store has only been open for two weeks for this year's season, Bresnahan can tell that this year will be different from others in the past. "The economy is being really tough on people nowadays—especially business owners. I have a feeling that this year will be unlike others," she said. "Times are tough, and when this happens people tend to save their money." she said. "I just hope they remember to buy their fair share of birthday presents and housewarming gifts," she added with a smile. |
 |
|