Gift items, crafts, custom-made signs and special-order silk flowers add to the appeal of the store for new visitors. After the grand opening, one of the chamber ambassadors walked out with her arms full of stuff she couldn’t resist.

Maybe that’s part of the reason the store has developed a regular following. The gift store has been in business at other Ottumwa locations beginning in 1996.

She opened her mall location just before Valentine’s Day.

The staff at Donna’s Gift Court says there’s more walk-by traffic at the mall and a lot of parking. It’s been a good location for them so far, they said.

And that means a lot to the owner. Because with all the wonderful “things” she carries, her favorite part of the business comes from outside the store.

“The people,” she answered when asked what she liked best. “I love working with the public and helping people decorate.”

Mark Newman can be reached at 683-5358 or by e-mail at mgnewman@mchsi.com.

For your information

Quincy Place Furniture

Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day but Sunday, when they are open Noon to 5 p.m.

Donna’s

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday Noon to 5 p.m., closed on Monday.