FINDERS KEEPERS EMBODIES WHAT THE VILLAGE IS ABOUT
By Kevin T. Czerwinski
The odd, statuesque lamp in the window is just different enough to get you into Finders Keepers. What you'll experience once you walk through the door of the eclectic gift shop on Lafayette Avenue will warm your heart and keep you coming back again and again.
Cynthia Panosian owns and operates the tasteful little shop at the Chestnut Street intersection. If there's any establishment that embodies the soul and spirit of the Village, it is hers. Panosian sells all sorts of goodies, from jewelry and china to trinkets and furniture.
It's what she's not selling, however, that makes a visit to Finders Keepers special. Panosian is warm and wonderful, treating her customers more like family or honored guests. Like that elegant lamp in her window, it's easy to see she has character and style that is only complimented by her tasteful eye and caring heart.
Panosian celebrated her first anniversary as the shop's owner in October after having spent two years working there under the previous ownership. She's been in sales for much of her career but has truly found her niche with Finders Keepers.
"We're very eclectic," said Panosian, who lives in Oakland with her husband Steve and three children. "We have some stuff from the 1940s, some stuff from the 1950s, whatever I like. We have candles, pins, scarves, belts and all kinds of art. I have stuff I hold onto forever. I don't have anything in the store I don't like.
"I get my stuff from all over. I love everything in the store. You can't ask me what I like the best. There are certain things I won't sell, though, like the lamp in the window. Or the table I have up front. They mean too much to me."
Panosian searches at garage sales, estate sales and the like to find her merchandise. She works with artists and jewelers to bring in new items and occasionally will even sell some things on consignment. All the while, she has her customers in mind when adding to her inventory.
When Panosian is out looking for new merchandise, she'll think of her customer who likes penguins, for example, and come back with some penguin pottery or bric-a-brac. She'll remember what many of her clients are looking for and try to purchase items that she knows will excite them. It's this caring and attention to detail that makes her special.
"I just love to shop," she said. "And my customers have become my friends. I do some advertising, but not a lot. The way I look at it, once customers are in the door, they are mine even if they don' buy something. And because of that, I'll shop with someone in mind. If someone says they need earrings to go with an outfit, I'll be looking for it."
Finders Keepers has something that will appeal to almost everyone. Panosian says she has many repeat mother/daughter customers that appreciate her jewelry and finer items. She says she's also looking to add some clothing to her stock but has yet to find something that fits her style and price margin.
So give Finders Keepers a try because the surprises are abundant. Go in and simply talk to Panosian, too, because once the conversation starts, you can't help but feel as if you've known her for years. She's much like the lamp in the window - she draws you in and makes you feel welcome.
Free two-hour parking is available on the street in the Village while the Parking Authority's lots are free for three hours. The lot nearest to Finder's Keepers is on Chestnut Street.