Biz Buzz

Harbor Towne Gifts and Souvenirs has been serving Central New York customers for 40 years.  That's a lot of memories, a number of Special Events and many wonderful people.

Harbor Towne Gifts actually began as "Country Home Gifts" in our Mt. Pleasant farmhouse with an emphasis on crafts supplied by local skilled crafters - knitters, seamstresses and candle makers.  Soon it became apparent that to grow, we needed a store front with more customer traffic.  We opened Harbor Towne Gifts at 43 W. Bridge Street in late September, 1975, during  the United States Bicentennial Year.

Our inventory was displayed on card tables, bookcases and re-purposed fixtures.  We featured turquoise and silver jewelry, Norcross cards, Fenton Artglass  and Colonial Candles. Harbor Towne has certainly expanded its inventory since those early days and has survived longer than either Fenton or Norcross!!!

That early inventory has changed many, many times as Harbor Towne transitioned through a number of locations in Oswego and elsewhere -  (what was) Top's Plaza, George Street, Canal Commons, Weeden's Mini-mall in Sylvan Beach, The Christmas Shop on Bridge Street and currently at 43 W. Bridge and The Village Shops in Fulton. 

We've celebrated with our customers at Precious Moments and Cherished Teddie Special Events at the former Captain's Lounge Ballroom; Webkinz and Beanie Baby Extravaganzas and many other events focused on Dept. 56 Christmas Villages, Boyd's Bears, Red Hat and Fenton Merchandise.  While our customers enjoyed the featured lines, door prizes and free gifts with purchase they also loved the artistry and taste of Bob Bateman's cakes and Aunt Mary's Cookies!!

Our customers have taught us a lot over the years, sometimes suggesting new lines, sometimes sharing their joys and sorrows, their love of Christmas - a decorated tree in every room, their need to come and browse in a "happy place" before facing surgery and so much more.

Our staff has changed a lot over 40 years but they all have one thing in common, they love to help our customers find the right gift - they may be Rob, Nancy, Susan, Deb, Lynn, Sandy ,Kathy, Rita, Melinda, Morgan or Michelle but they have all contributed to our success and we are thankful for each member of our team.

We are going to celebrate our 40TH ANNIVERSARY from October 15-17 and hope you'll join us for this very SPECIAL EVENT. Looking forward to seeing you.