SHOP TALK

Periwinkle Gifts

Where: 404 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 100, Folsom

Phone: (916) 985-8767

Web site: periwinklegifts.com

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A former victim of the economy, Periwinkle Gifts, has reopened its doors.

Forced to close when business went south, the owners of the gift shop started receiving notes from former customers pining for the store.

“We were open four years before,” said co-owner Michael Larg. “Basically (we reopened because) of all the Folsom people e-mailing us.”

He said the Folsom Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses have also been helpful.

Located across the parking lot from Target at E. Bidwell Street and Blue Ravine Road, the gift shop carries items for adults and children.

Co-owner Susan Larg said the store opened quietly and people are starting to hear about them.

“It’s starting to pick up. It’s getting better,” she said. “It’s tough to get the word out.”

Michael thanked Doug Quiroz for all his hard work to find them retail space.

“Doug helped us negotiate this deal,” he said.

Susan said he “went above and beyond” just finding them space.

The family owned business also sports new partners, Ashley McDowell along with Hind and Travis McDowell.

Susan said former customers familiar with their store would find many of the same items.

“We’re still carrying a lot of the stuff we used to carry,” she said. “We still offer Lolita hand-painted wine and martini glasses. They are our top seller.”

The glasses feature drink recipes on the bottom.

They also carry Melissa and Doug wooden toys.

Overall, the family is thrilled to be back in business.

“We’re very happy with the location and the landlord treats us like gold,” Michael said. “It gets us back in the community.”

The Largs have been married for seven years and relocated from Santa Rosa.