moving & shaking l BY ANITA NEAL HARRISON
WHERE DO YOU FIND MERCHANDISE? We have thousands of vendors that literally cover the world that we can access at any given time. Sharon and I go to different markets, and we still travel a little. Every time we go somewhere, we visit gift shops that we think might have product lines that fit our store. But most importantly, we try to support our local sales reps. We appreciate when customers shop locally instead of going online. HOW DOES THE FRAMEWORKS STAFF APPROACH CUSTOMER SERVICE? We choose people for our staff who have a great attitude and genuine friendliness. We try to establish a comfortable, friendly atmosphere and allow customers time to look, offering help as needed.
A Walk In Wonderland
Find your heart’s desires at Frameworks Gifts & Interiors.
W
hen shoppers enter Frameworks Gifts & Interiors, the reaction of many is: “Wow.” “I hear that word from many people who walk into this store,” says Gary Duncan, who owns the store with his wife, Sharon. “A lady this afternoon said, ‘It’s magical. It smells so good. It’s just like walking into a wonderland.’ ” Gary and Sharon purchased Frameworks in 2001. They are the third party to own the business, which has stood at 901 Old 63 N. for 30 years. When the Duncans purchased Frameworks, its offerings were mostly limited to furniture, collectibles, needlework and custom framing. Under their care, the store has evolved to carry more gifts, accessories and home décor — everything from licensed Mizzou gear to gourmet food, a baby boutique, ladies accessories, Christmas ornaments, bath and body items, and books — while still specializing in custom framing. Gary Duncan shares more about the Frameworks story.
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INSIDE COLUMBIA DECEMBER 2014
HOW DO YOU SET THE TONE FOR FRAMEWORKS? We’ve been very fortunate in that we’ve traveled a lot and we’ve seen Christmas displayed in many areas — as well as gifts — and we’ve patterned our store on memories of what we’ve seen. We want to be a place where people can find unique items at a good price, without having to go to St. Louis, Kansas City, New York or Chicago. WHAT ARE SOME SPECIFIC OFFERINGS? Gift lines, home décor, clocks — we’ve become the clock shop in Columbia. We feature Bulova, Timeworks, mantel and wall clocks of all kinds. We’ve brought in lines of jewelry from sterling silver to costume. We brought in ladies handbags, Vera Bradley and travel accessories. We have a baby boutique and feature books, plush, banks and other gift items for newborns to toddlers. People love to come here for retail therapy.
DESCRIBE THE FRAMING SERVICES YOU OFFER. We have hundreds of corner samples and mat board colors so people can pick anything they want to complement their artwork. Larry O’Bannon, our custom framer, has more than 30 years’ experience and is exceptional at framing historical things. A couple of years ago, we framed a newspaper from 1865. Most all of our framing is conservation for protection from aging and sun. Larry has created some fabulous memory boxes for customers. FRAMEWORKS IS KNOWN FOR AN INCREDIBLE SELECTION OF CHRISTMAS DÉCOR. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYDECORATING? Sharon recommends you get your decorating and gift buying done early. This will free up time to bake, entertain, enjoy friends and family, and not feel stressed out with hurry, hurry, hurry.
DUNCANS’ PORTRAIT BY L.G. PATTERSON