LAKEWOOD - There is good news for those who like to shop for the artistic and unique products Creative Imports has offered at the Chautauqua Mall for the last 11 years.
The good news is a second location at the Jamestown Mattress Co. Plaza, 135 E. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood. The new Creative Imports store opened Nov. 1 and has an expanded inventory to include a complete line of urban wear and a Western section, which carries beautiful handmade leather coats, handbags and Mexican inlay boots and shoes.
Karen Swerden, Creative Imports owner, said the new location is three times the size of the mall location and is stocked full of new items.
Article Photos
Tammy Gentz, Creative Imports store manger, and Karen Swerden, Creative Imports owner, are shown outside of Creative Imports’ new location, 135 E. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, in the Jamestown Mattress Co. plaza. The business now has two locations, Creative Imports is also inside the Chautauqua Mall.
P-J photo by Dennis Phillips
''We've always wanted a bigger space so we could spread everything out and display items better,'' she said. ''We found this spot and though it would be great to be located along Fairmount Avenue.''
Ms. Swerden said both stores will continue to operate with different inventory inside each location.
''I enjoy bring beautiful art from all over the world here,'' she said. ''I like finding cutting-edge items that you're not going to find anywhere else in the area.''
Ms. Swerden said most of her customers enjoy the experience of shopping in her stores because of the knowledgeable employees.
''The staff really goes out of their way to help shoppers find what they are looking for,'' she said. ''It is a real personal shopping experience. They spend a lot of time with you and enjoy being able to help.''
The business started 18 years ago when Ms. Swerden would travel to regional college campuses selling pottery and wool sweaters, hats and gloves. Then Ms. Swerden opened a storefront in the Cross Roads Market in Sherman, which was followed by a store being opened in Gerry. After those two locations, she opened up the Chautauqua Mall store.
Ms. Swerden said shoppers of all ages will find the store a delight.
The newest Creative Imports store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 338-9840.