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Business & Tech

Gumballs and Overalls Now Open in Valrico

The Lithia Crossings business features unique children's clothing and specialty items.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a special child in your life, look no further than Gumballs and Overalls.

The boutique, 3468 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia Crossings, opened Aug. 10. It features an array of unique, handmade items.

The store, in the shopping area located behind Panera Bread, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

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It will have its grand opening Friday and Saturday, when a $40 gift certificate can be purchased for $20.

What you will find inside the store is not the obligatory hair bows, but a plethora of handmade dresses, hearty superhero capes, cloth diaper covers, current hot items such as handmade I-Spy bags and a host of  one-of-a-kind pieces.

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Owner Tammy Hicks wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hicks, who relocated to the area from Michigan, brought many of the items with her from the original Gumballs and Overalls store she opened there in 2009. However, she readily welcomes the idea of featuring items from local crafters in the 2,000-square-foot store.

“I love the handmade merchandise,” Hicks said. “I think it’s a huge draw. I’d love for local crafters to come by and see me.”

There are many good reasons to visit the store. Hooks has plans to have a weekly story time at the store, baby sign language classes, lactation classes and other events on a regular basis.

Amanda Wright wasn’t drawn to the store for any of the upcoming events. The Lithia resident was recently shopping in the area when the new store caught her attention. She browsed the aisles while her 4-year-old daughter amused herself in the store’s play area.

Wright, who also has two sons, said the items in the store are distinctive.

“I think the clothes are very cute,” Wright said. “It’s not the stuff you see everyday in chain stores. It just seems like they have a more personal touch.”

Hicks is hopeful other shoppers will feel the same way about the business she loves. She is anticipating shoppers will appreciate the unique items, in addition to the pleasant atmosphere of the store.

Hicks searched for the ideal location of the Valrico store for a year and is happy with the spot she found. The store boasts hardwood floors and a layout design that allows flow throughout the space.

It's a space that features seven brands of cloth diapers and accessories, custom tote bags, jewelry and more. 

“I want people to know I promote families by consigning local crafters,” Hicks said. “I’m always getting new items in, and if I don’t have it, I will try and get it in for you.”

For information, call 813-661-8579.

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