Pictured is an inside look of the former Courtyard Gifts in Binghamton, N.Y., which will open in downtown Owego on Aug. 1. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the store will be open during special events in downtown Owego. (Provided photo)
Drive or walk up Court Street toward Main Street in historic downtown Owego, N.Y. and you cannot miss seeing a new storefront nestled beside Up the Creek Ladies Consignment Boutique. Courtyard Gifts, located at 165 Main St., has relocated from its longtime downtown Binghamton site to Owego, with plans to open on Aug. 1.
Owner and Owego resident, Bruce Potter, and his wife Shari, could not be more excited. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Potter’s relocated to the southern tier when Endicott-Johnson recruited Bruce to be a buyer, a job that utilized his artistic talents. The couple has lived in Owego for 38 years and raised three sons here.
After 44 years on Washington Street, next to the Metro Center in downtown Binghamton, and 22 years of which Potter has been owner, Courtyard Gifts is bringing to Owego its custom and original jewelry pieces along with unique home décor, stylish clothing and fashionable handbags, among other distinct and unusual items.
Moving out of Binghamton is bittersweet; however, Potter decided relocating Courtyard Gifts, and actually the third-longest running store in Binghamton, to Owego is, “Where the retail customers are.”
Although there is some new activity again in the Binghamton block where Courtyard Gifts was housed for over four decades, Potter cited several retail shops and restaurants that have recently closed their doors, and the customer climate is changing more toward the student population. When Potter began to see a decrease in customer traffic at his location there, he realized he couldn’t pass up the opportunity in Owego.
In lieu of retirement right now, Potter has his sights set on remaining active and growing his business in Owego. When asked what his hope is for the new store, he commented, “I’m looking forward to meeting people in Owego and sharing my talent,” and added that he will never duplicate product. “It comes in once, and then I’ll never bring it in again.”
Potter explained that Courtyard Gifts is, “A fine jewelry and unique gift store,” and added that the jewelry pieces, designed by himself, are truly one-of-a-kind and some of which can be described as unusual or nostalgic, and different than any other store.
“We will compliment what is already in Owego,” Potter said.
Referring to the closing of several retail chain stores that have impacted the southern tier recently, Potter’s viewpoint is, “It’s really the ‘Mom and Pop’ type stores that are the future of retail, and it’s because they know customer service.”
The 165 Main St. property in Owego offers Courtyard Gifts double the square footage to display merchandise, and is within walking distance of other stores in the village.
“People really do like to walk from one store to another,” Potter commented, and further added that their location is only steps away from nearby stores on Lake and Front Streets and North Avenue, and that parking is available around the corner on Central Avenue or within reasonable distance elsewhere.
Courtyard Gifts will also feature a selection of personalized, hand-crated gifts under the name Blank Canvas by Brandon, and created by Potter’s son, Brandon Potter. In addition, memorabilia from the Endicott Johnson days will decorate a corner of the store as well.
A grand opening celebration is planned later in August or September.
Courtyard Gifts will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and will be open during the First Friday Art Walks and other special and holiday events.
For information, call Courtyard Gifts at (607) 723-4171 or find them on Facebook.
Best wishes Shari and Bruce, I can’t wait to visit the new store.