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March 12, 1999/24 Adar 5759, Vol. 51, No. 24
New retail store offers unusual, fun pieces
MICHELLE ACKERMAN
Staff Writer
Janet Weissman's motto is "If you think money can't buy happiness, you don't know where to shop."
This motto is clearly evidenced by the selection of fun, sometimes unique items offered in her store, the Golden Butterfly.
The diverse array of items includes wrought-iron art work, perfume bottles, contemporary teapots, singing clocks, baby gifts, bridal gifts, blankets, handcreams, Judaica, decanters, silver trays and Limoges pieces. Culled from more than 150 crafters and manufacturers, the inventory, with many one-of-kind pieces, is constantly changing.
"We have (a range of) elegant home accessories and funky accessories," says Janet, who owns the store with her husband, Walter.
The opening of the store, on March 6, was six months in the making, she explains. When the idea for the store first came to her, the Weissmans were residents of Livingston, N.J. One evening, their daughter called from Arizona State University, where she is currently a student, and announced that she liked Arizona so much that she wasn't coming home, ever - which started Janet thinking.
At the time, Janet was a dental hygienist who also worked part-time at a gift store. She was looking for a change of pace in her career, as well as a change of weather. After some thought and discussion, the couple decided to join their daughter out West.
Since she was already involved in the gift business, she decided to stick with it.
"I really like retail, it's fun," says Janet. "And I like to see people's reactions when they see pretty, interesting pieces."
Janet explains that, besides her interesting merchandise, what sets her store apart from others is her gift wrapping. Every item that leaves the store is lovingly hand-wrapped, she says, whether it cost $50, $10, or 5 cents.
"I just want everything to go out of here looking special. (Plus) our wrap will tell you you were at the Golden Butterfly."
Janet was the one who hit upon the name Golden Butterfly.
"Butterflies to me are very beautiful," she explains. "And I wanted something elegant sounding, ... something that would (say this is) a fun, but elegant place to shop."
She also feels that the name conveys the fun, funky, non-intimidating atmosphere she is trying to create.
"I don't want any of my customers to be unhappy when they come here," she says. "I want everybody to come out happy, whether you buy something or you don't. You had a good time, you enjoyed the fun pieces ... and maybe next time you'll think of us for something else. It's just supposed to be a happy, fun place to shop."
The Golden Butterfly is located at 7704 E. Doubletree Road, Suite 125 in Scottsdale.
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