Gift-ology to Open in West Hartford's Blue Back Square

Gift-ology may sound like a new-age major at some progressive university, but it’s actually the name of a new store that is set to open in Blue Back Square in October.

But there definitely is something scientific in finding the perfect gift, which makes Gift-ology the ideal name for the growing chain of shops.

“Our tag line is ‘Perfecting gift giving,’” owner Camile Hannoush told Patch. “That’s what we’ve done. We’ve placed together some of the top brands in the country for gifts.”

The 2,400-square-foot store will feature unique gifts from vendors such as Alex & Ani, one of the fastest growing jewelry brands in the country, as well as Yankee Candle, mud pie giftware, Michael Aram, Pat Barker Designs and Mariposa, Hannoush said.

“They’re gifts you won’t find in other places,” said Hannoush, adding that prices will range from $5 to $500 or more.

Gift-ology currently has four stores - Longmeadow and Eastfield, MA and two in Buffalo, NY - with plans on expanding to 15 other locations along the eastern seaboard this year, including Charleston, S.C. and Pittsburgh, PA, according to Hannoush.

West Hartford was a natural demographic and geographic fit, he said.

“West Hartford is in our backyard,” Hannoush said. “We think there is a great need [in town] for our store.”

Hannoush, who is also co-owner of the 35-store chain Hannoush Jewelers, said that Gift-ology’s first three stores were used to determine what works and what doesn’t with consumers.

“We’ve been ironing out the kinks and seeing if there is a need for this line or that line,” he said. “[Gift-ology has] been performing really well. We’ve been building relationships with current vendors and new vendors. Seventy-five to 80 percent of the items are made in the U.S.A. That’s a big push for us as well. ...

“God willing we are making the right decisions. Business has been pretty good. We are hoping to develop into a great brand of affordable luxury to customers, but also offer a great package.”

Hannoush noted that Gift-ology giftwraps every item and “we hope customer service is second-to-none.”