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Pass Christian Tri-Centennial
Valentino?s is rendezvous with a medley of practical and bizarre items in gifts for all occasions.
Valentino?s 'Theme Tables' and ?Season Comers* are a wondrous sight to see because of the extraordinary decorative features embellished with professional creativity.
Upon entering "Valentino?s", the patron is immediately made comfortable with welcoming hospitality, and senses the mesmerizing ambiance of a superlative gift bazaar.
Browsing is made challenging by maneuvering from one theme table to another. Selections are blended with careful harmony within "Theme Centers" which are garnished and massed with a bounteous array of items that extend from ceiling to floor, or in "Seasonal Corner?s" which incorporate select items for each upcoming or ongoing holiday event.
Valentino explains that planning and buying for a "Seasonal Corner" may take four months to a half-year as it becomes developed by applying his decorating talents. Frequently, however, as he is developing a distinct motif, shoppers furtively espy his samplings and off goes a chosen item to the gift wrap department. There, Valentino wraps the selection as the patron is invited to a glass of imported sherry.
The demand for Christmas items has been resolved by setting aside within the store a separate department which is appropriately called "Year-round ChristmasValentino relates that this seasonal specialty requires sampling buying so that he can examine the product for its quality and uniqueness. Refusing to purchase from a catalog, he prefers to buy an assortment on a one-each basis in order to assure himself that the customer?s tastes will be satisfied.
He also delves into a considerable inventory of rare gift items made of handcrafted leather, wood, jewelry, mineral, or glassware. A shopping trip to Valentino?s is always fulfilled - even if no purchase is made, because the emporium environment is so awesomely littered with an assortment of "goodies", that just browsing throughout, easily may take an hour or so. Indeed, it?s a Shopper?s Bazaar of bizarre and ritzy and flamboyant items. Simplistic and practical items also avail.
Specialty item purchases are made from Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Portugal as well as imported European selections. Valentino also reports that the China market has opened with good quality items.
In ambling through the store, one encounters unique displays of candles, bridal accessories, linen, etc. There are sections dedicated to home decorations, garden and patio, Men?s Corner, Card Shop, Party Shop, Book Shop, Bath Shop, and an exclusive Fragrance and Aroma Shop with sprays, oils, and potpourri.
Literally there are Gifts for all occasions. Home accessories are as simple as colorful cords and sashes, or ornate plaques, wall pictures, lamps and shades, stuffed dolls and animals. It is rare to find more than two or three items which are the same unless sold in a pair.
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