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Date: 12/6/2023
EAST LONGMEADOW — On a busy Friday at the beginning of December, a steady stream of shoppers browsed arrangements of cutting boards and stemware, jewelry and winter hats at East Longmeadow’s newest gift shop, The Nest Gift Boutique.
Owner Nancy Sousa Giza, a Hampden resident and former East Longmeadow adjustment counselor, said that business has been brisk since The Nest opened on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year.
“It’s been wonderful. This has been a dream of mine to have a little gift boutique, pretty much since I was an empty nester,” Souza Giza said, explaining the shop’s name.
Souza Giza’s vision for the shop is to offer gifts for all milestones in life, from weddings and baby showers to graduations, housewarmings and retirements. However, The Nest also offers “just because” gifts. “I love shops where you can be on your way to dinner and pick up a gift for the host,” Sousa Giza said. The Nest offers complimentary gift wrapping for those buying on the go.
The gifts that Sousa Giza sells have largely been sourced from gift shows that she attends in New York. “I wanted to see, feel the products I was going to be selling,” she said. Among the items Sousa Giza carries are baby clothing, purses, honey and ornaments. Most of the products at The Nest are made in New England.
“I want it to be a place with more unique gifts,” said Sousa Giza. “I hope to always be evolving.” She has been seeking feedback from her customers so she can offer the items they are seeking.
In the new year, Sousa Giza wants to reach out to the community and build relationships. She hopes to showcase the items made by local artisans and work with community groups and charities.
The Nest Gift Boutique, 60 Shaker Rd., is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Nest can also be found at tinyurl.com/2kcsw6j2.