Write a commentIn spite of pandemic woes and uncertainties, Fulton is surging forward with new businesses and economic activity.
The newest retail outlet to open is Pau’s General Store located at 47 S. 1st. St in the heart of downtown
The specialty gift/artisan shop is the effort of two sisters, Rebecca Fox and Elizabeth Blake, who have spent months gathering, making, refinishing, and planning to launch the small shop just in time for the holiday shopping season.
With a collection of gifts to celebrate every occasion and original one of a kind handmade art, shoppers will have a wide selection of items to help them celebrate the special occasions, including free gift wrapping for every purchased item from the store! For a small fee you can bring presents not from the store to be wrapped as well.
“In this time of despair and uncertainty, we want to send a clear message of celebration,” Rebecca Fox explained. “We need to celebrate even the small things in life and there is something to celebrate every day, something special happens every day if we look for it.
“Our shop offers those unusual items plus the unique artistry of my sister Beth. We complement each other in our styles and approaches. She is the artist; I am the shopper; together we invite shoppers into a world of creativity and a unique shopping experience.
The long‐range vision for the shop is to feature the work of local artists and provide an outlet for artists to sell their work in the shop. The owners hope to add new artists gradually and celebrate the local talent and artistry right here in Central New York.
The store is named for the sisters’ maternal grandfather fondly called Pau. The opening of the store is inspired by his wood‐working artistry and a long history of family members making and creating art, some of which are on display in the shop.
Rebecca has several years of retail and management experience including international sales and front of house management. Elizabeth is an artist specializing in sculptures, fabric arts, painting and crafting. The store features an assortment of high quality gifts including Home Accents, Personalized Gift sets, Natural Self Care, and original one‐of‐a-kind handmade goods and art.
An eclectic array of fixtures in the store is also an example of the hard work and creativity the owners have invested by recycling unusual pieces of furniture and objects to display the inventory. One item includes the vintage Craftsman Tool Box that belonged to the pair’s dad commemorating his career as a Maintenance Craftsman AA. It now serves as a vessel for a jewelry display. Family photos around the shop share treasured memories of the family making a warm and familiar atmosphere and celebrating those small moments that are so meaningful.
The shop also features a Maker’s Room where the public can watch artists at work. Currently Beth can be seen at work on her painted glass tiles or fabric bags. In time, the pair hope to schedule other artists to demonstrate their technique in the Maker’s Room.
The shop is open 7 days a week, M‐F 9am‐8pm, and Sunday, 11am‐7pm at 47 S. 1st St. in downtown Fulton. More information can be found at www.PausGeneralStore.com or on their Facebook page or call 315‐887‐1444.
