Shirley Nichols does it all in a high-end gift shop
Norman Wells, Canada – Visitors to Norman Wells are often surprised to find Creations, a high-end gift store located in the town square. Thanks to store manager Shirley Nichols, she keeps the store looking like one you might find in a big city, not a small Northern town.
Nichols has been living in Norman Wells for five years, and she has spent four of those years working at Creations.
She said she does a bit of everything, from cleaning and dusting to dealing with customers and ordering and receiving stock.
Part of her job is to travel to gift shows in Edmonton every February and August.
She said the trip is fun but it can also be mind boggling because she has to remember what she has already ordered and how much space it will take up in the store.
“You have to remember that you’re not shopping for yourself, it’s for the customer,” she said.
Part of the store’s success can be attributed to its wide variety of items. They sell the usual souvenirs, but also furniture, musical instruments and even some food items.
She said one of her biggest sellers is Canadian diamonds. The diamond jewelry is made with NWT diamonds, and created in Alberta.
“I don’t think a lot of people realize we sell diamonds until I mention them,” she said.
She said another hot item is Zippo lighters. She keeps dozens in stock with different sports team logos and designs on the side.