Longtime shoppers at Lewis’ Gifts on Youree Drive in Shreveport are doing a double take as they walk through the doors into a showroom that has been completely transformed. A grand opening of the new Lewis’ will be held on Saturday, May 6, an all-day event with champagne and sweets from Biscottis café and fabulous door prizes. Trunk shows will be held throughout the showroom, and there will be a special personal appearance by Niven Morgan.

Lewis’ Gifts has always been the destination for world-class upscale shopping without ever having to leave Shreveport. The shop is known for its fabulous displays full of ideas for translating their style into area homes. This time, however, the showroom has been completely redesigned, and Lewis’ owner Catherine Lewis Hobbs is pleased with the transformation.

“Customers love the openness of the new floor plan,” Hobbs said. “The departments flow into one another seamlessly. We guide you through the store with the displays and merchandise. I’ve heard so many comments on how much easier it is to see everything.”

“Ladies’ jewelry and accessories have a new home which flows into the baby department,” Hobbs explained, “opening up to our bath and bedding department. Our bridal and tabletop department is now a destination area with dedicated spaces for brides to register or customers to shop and order new tabletop patterns.”

Lewis’ Gifts is always on top of new design and color trends and right now, shades of green and indigo blue are popular for home accents. “In bedding, the color for spring is a peachy pale blush,” Hobbs said. “Bella Notte calls theirs ‘pearl.’ For bridal and tabletop, gold is still hot, and we’re seeing it in gold-rimmed glassware, serveware and china.”

Bright, fun clothing is also offered at Lewis’. “A great new line for us has been Tyler Boe clothing,” Hobbs said. “We receive a shipment every month from January through April, each a different color story of dresses, tops, pants and jeans that coordinate back together. Our rep will be here April 7 and 8 for a trunk show, with the whole collection available to order.”

Another fun line of clothing offered by Lewis’ is Krazy Larry Pants. “They are very comfortable, cute and addictive,” Hobbs said. “They are one pull-on style in lots of patterns and colors.”

Perhaps Lewis’ Gifts is best known, however, for seasonal décor. “Right now we are in the middle of spring with beautiful spring wreaths, bunnies and Easter décor,” Hobbs said. “We have spring fragrances and everything you need to freshen up your house. Anything fun and seasonal makes a popular gift, something thoughtful that makes your friend smile.”

Spring is one of the most exciting times to visit Lewis’ Gifts. “Right now the bedding department is really hopping,” Hobbs said. “We’ve moved it to a large open, sunny space with the bath department. We’ve brought in new introductions from market for my top bedding lines, Bella Notte, Peacock Alley and Pom Pom Home. We have shelves full so that you can take a bed home today or customize and special order.”

For many people in our area, it’s simply not spring without a custom Easter basket from Lewis’. “Kelly has been making the baskets at Lewis’ for years, and they are customer favorites,” Hobbs said. “We do baskets for everyone – moms, daughters and dads. We have a huge selection of children’s toys and candy for all ages. You pick out the basket or bring in your own and fill it up with goodies, then leave the rest to us. Kelly just has the magic touch with those baskets. They’re beautiful!” The staff at Lewis’ Gifts works hard to keep the store new and fresh so that it’s always fun to visit. “One of my favorite things I hear from my customers when I ask if I can help them find anything is when they say they just came in to relax and get away from everyday life,” said Hobbs. “They want to disappear for a little while and see what’s new. We keep new merchandise coming in every week throughout the year so you can visit Lewis’ every week and see all-new displays every time. We create a true experience for you personally, whether you are just browsing or know exactly what you’re looking for.”

Lewis’ is located at 5807 Youree Drive in Shreveport. For more information, visit www.lewisgifts. com or call 868-6700.

– Susan Reeks

Photo special to CityLife