Rosie's Cards & Gifts feature wide variety of 50-cent cards
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Joe and Joyce Pontrello, owners of Rosie's Cards and Gifts at 5957 Main St., display their selection of 50-cent cards. The shop also has gifts and wrapping supplies. Photo by John Rusac

It has happened to just about everyone - you have a party to attend, no ideas for a present and time is running out.

If so, visit Rosie's Cards and Gifts at 5957 Main St., for a thoughtful gift, wrap and card.

Joe and Joyce Pontrello took over ownership of the shop in July and besides some basic renovations, they kept the same village charm as when the business was Suzie's Le Boutique.

"We want Williamsville to become a destination point where people will visit shops in the village and walk around," Joe said. "We are off the beaten path, but it's fun and something unique."

At Rosie's, all gift cards are 50 cents, considerably cheaper than stores that sell the same card for more than $4. Joe said there is an eclectic mix of cards with many selections in each category.

When asked if the shop has unusual cards, he mentioned a card for a new pet and also encouraging and thoughtful cards for men and women entering the service.

Before owning the store, Joyce was a longtime patron. She had shopped at Suzie's for years, in addition to the other shops across from Williamsville South High School. During one of her stops she learned the business was going to be for sale, so she and her husband decided to buy it.

"We have everything you need to be able to put a specialty, custom gift together," Joyce said, adding that she once had a customer stop on her way to a party pick out a gift and card, the shop wrapped it, and she was off.

She said the shop sells gifts that would be great for a teacher, co-worker or any of those "extra people" on one's holiday shopping list.

"We offer low-dollar, good-quality, brand-name items," Joyce said, citing folk art decor, candles and kitchen and hospitality gifts.

The Pontrellos want to promote Williamsville, as well as their business. Members of the Williamsville Business Association, the couple is working to make Williamsville a destination spot such as Niagara on the Lake, Joe said.

To visit and discover that "great find," as Joyce describes the gifts, stop by Rosie's Cards and Gifts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 632-0145.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com