Retail Roundup: Goodbye to the Gift Garage; Hello to 2 New Area Shops

All the hustle and bustle of the holidays may have made it easy to miss a few changes in the local retail scene. Here are the details:

• After being in business for about 10 years (four in the current location and the rest at a storefront in Pound Ridge), The Gift Garage (29 Katonah Avenue, 914-232-2322) is closing. "It's just time," owner Jennifer Chernus, of Pound Ridge, told Patch, adding that the decision was a tough one. The Katonah Avenue shop is slated to shut its doors for the last time Jan. 28, and Chernus is encouraging local folks to stop by between now and then to take advantage of sales. "We've had great customers, we love our customers," she said. "They've been very devoted to us ... I'm going to miss it a lot."
• Parkway in Katonah is now home to Catherine H. (18-24 Parkway, 914-232-2010), a boutique owned by Milford, CT resident Catherine Hiriart. Hiriart opened a shop—by the same name—there about four years ago, after spending years as a window designer, with hobbies like kickboxing and sculpting on the side. Originally from France, Hiriart launched the Katonah store with a soft opening in late December. The shop focuses on clothing, jewelry and more that's eco-friendly and made in America. It offers styles suitable for women of all ages. So far, Hiriart told Patch, the response from the community has been welcoming. "I love the charm of the town," she said. Plans for a grand opening are in the works. (See photos above.)
• Lil Beans Toys & Sport (914-764-3777) recently opened in Pound Ridge. The family-run business specializes in classic and unique items, as well as basic sporting equipment. Owners Bob and Dawn Decker aim to please local folks, especially those who are looking for something special. They even offer a service that allows the busy parent to call ahead of time, describe the child they're looking to buy for and prepay for a gift that will be ready when they arrive. (See the video above.)