e t c e t e r a
1. A number of unspecified additional things; 2. pl. additional items, odds and ends
FREEDMAN'S 'EXPRESSIONS' AND CHOCOLATE...LINGERIE TO RELOCATE If anything can be viewed as a trend it is the on-going closures and relocation of local businesses. Adding to the list is the shutting of Weeds at 14 Centre St. which will be taken over by Expressions of Don Freedman and the closing of Bella at 44 Centre St. that will become the new home for the chocolate...lingerie.

In April, probably by Daffodil Weekend, Ashley Gunson will reopen the chocolate...lingerie in Banita Kern's building at 44 Centre with a much larger store area than the basement-level shop she had at 34 Centre, owned by Jamie Gries. Gunson bought the business in January 2006 from Maribeth Maloney who opened it in April 2004.

"I'm so excited to have a bigger space and more windows," Gunson said of her new street-level location. "It will bring a lot more foot traffic in my store. I'll definitely have a lot more product and I want to start lowering the prices so everyone can buy there." Gunson said that for Valentine's Day, if anyone is interested in purchasing a gift certificate they can call the store and leave a message and she will meet with them.

Expressions of Don Freedman has been at 7 Old South Wharf for 25 years, and over time expanded into two adjacent buildings. Since business has gone well and grown for him, when he learned about 14 Centre's availability he jumped at the chance. Freedman rented from Nantucket Island Resorts after the company, owned by Stephen Karp, bought the wharf last year as well as many other downtown retail buildings including 14 Centre St.

"Renovations will probably start in April and I will open in June," Freedman said, explaining that NIR is installing new flooring, lighting and air conditioning. "I want to create an old English museum look unique to here. The furniture and all the fixtures are my designs and are being made overseas."

Freedman describes his business as a gallery but not a gallery, carrying his designs for custom bowls, candlesticks, wooden sculptures, clocks, oldlooking nautical instruments and other home and personal accessories. He said operating from the wharf was fine for him, in great part because he insists on introducing new items every year and has been willing to put in a schedule that meets customer's needs when other stores were closed on the weekends or at night.

"The people who do well say where can I do better," said Freedman, explaining that while he has heard grumbling from other NIR tenants he believes he is being treated in a professional manner by a professional landlord and recognizes what it takes to be successful. "In reality, the rent increases are no different than anywhere around the world, and some [business owners] are leaving because the landlord is saying they have to be open seven days a week, which is not a bad thing.

"Some people don't want to adjust and adapt," he continued. "There are so many wealthy, sophisticated people who come to Nantucket, and you've got to be there for them. After all, it's only for a couple of months. One has to display their store well and be open for their customers. I'm not leaving the South Wharf for anything negative at all - I need more space. It's all good news, and I feel comfortable going back to the same landlord."