Store features specially-themed gifts for diverse tastes

By: Neolle Rulseh, Herald Times Reporter

Name of business: Rustic Touch
Ownership: Joanne and Salvatore Fote
When business started: 1979
Location: 3315 Calumet Ave., Manitowoc
Phone number: (920) 684-0889
Hours and days of operation: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday

Services provided/products sold: Rustic Touch is in an attractive building which features Door County stone and copper accents. Entering the 7,000-square-foot store, customers will find an array of gift items for women, men and children located in different rooms filled with attractive displays.

Collectible items include Swarovski Crystal, Precious Moments, Fenton (colorful hand blown glass made in the U.S.), Growing Up Girls, the Willow Tree line, Cat's Meow Village, Webkinz, Charming Tails, Boyds Bears, Cherished Teddies, Foundations Angels (figurines which now have a new look to the designs), and the Fontanini Collection of figurines. Rustic Touch is the only shop in the area to carry the Fontanini line.

Rustic Touch carries a wide variety of gift items for weddings, anniversaries and baptisms. There is a wide variety of glass crystal serving pieces, music boxes, frames and decorative pieces with special sayings on them.

For home décor, customers will find metal wall décor, plates, plate stands, ornament hangers, whimsical nightlights, lamps, furniture, decorative roosters and dog-themed items.

There is a large collection of Yankee brand candles with new fragrances coming out every three to four months. The store carries Woodwick candles and a variety of diffusers and simmering pots for fragrant tarts.

Newer items to the store are featured in the baby section. Customers will find gift ideas including christening items, baby décor, baptism frames and crosses, baby memory books and the Bearington Baby collection.

Another new line Rustic Touch carries is the Lolita glassware collection that features colorful martini glasses, wine glasses, beer glasses, shot glasses, wine racks and other bar accessories. Fote said these items make perfect hostess gifts.

As one enters the store there is a display with another new line called the "Sock Monkeez," which are cute and soft colorful toys for children.

There are nautical, fishing and Green Bay Packer gift items for men, and purses, jewelry and lotions (including Crabtree & Evelyn) for women.

Seasonal gifts for the home always are featured at Rustic Touch. For summer, the store carries garden items, sun catchers, wind chimes, stepping stones and flags. Special items are also featured in the fall, Christmas and Easter.

Rustic Touch has a large section of greeting cards. The store also carries Lang calendars and note cards. The Carol Wilson stationery line is featured at the store.

Food gift items include KP toffee, dip mixes and cheese ball mixes.

How has business changed since opening? The Fotes moved into the present building, which they built, in 1992 and with more space have greatly expanded their inventory.

Who are the customers & from where? Ownership said customers primarily come from Manitowoc County, Sheboygan, and Green Bay. Joanne Fote said they also get tourists from Chicago coming through Manitowoc on their way to Door County.

Who or what is the competition? Other gift stores in the Lakeshore area.

How is marketing done? Marketing is done through newspaper and radio ads. Many customers come to the shop through word of mouth from other satisfied customers.

What are the keys to future success? Fote said the keys to future success include going to the trade shows to stay on top of "what's hot" and adding distinctive items to their inventory. They also accommodate customers by placing special orders.

Some of their employees have been with the store for 20 years and have the experience and knowledge to help customers find the perfect gift.

Factors under control or not under control of ownership? Fote said the factors under control include stocking the inventory with merchandise the customers are looking for, having friendly service and special gift-wrapping.

The factor not under control is how people spend their money in today's economy.

What is your role of creativity or imagination in running the business or selling your products or services? The building structure itself has an inviting atmosphere with each room and partition having specially-themed gift items.

There always is soothing music playing in the background and all the attractive displays make for an interesting shopping experience. The staff also is knowledgeable about all the products they sell.

What is challenging or frustrating? Fote said it sometimes can be a challenge getting the shipments of merchandise on time.

What is enjoyable? "Meeting customers and knowing that customers are satisfied by finding the perfect gift," Fote said. "It puts a smile on their face and my face."

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