Janis Jewelry adds a handbag shop

The back room of Janis Jewelry & Gifts is full of hundreds of handbags owner Janis Schroeder just can’t fit in the store. But her problem will soon be solved when she expands into the space next door. The new shop, called Janis Unique Handbags, will have a somewhat different identity, but the two will be linked by an archway. “We’re making it all cute and pretty,” Schroeder said. Although the transition won’t be complete, she is inviting the public to come see what she’s up to at Art Walk this Friday. She plans to have a soft opening around Nov. 12, as well. Schroeder opened shop in Newberg about 18 months ago, after having a spot in Tastefully Yours for about a year. Before that, she sold her wares at the Dundee Farmers’ Market for about a year and a half. Since opening her own shop, business has been good — good enough to necessitate the expansion. The biggest drawback she faces, she said, is that many people don’t shop downtown because they think it’s difficult to park — a misconception, she explained, as there is parking all down the side streets. “Once they come here, they (say), ‘This is awesome and I’m so glad we have a shop like this in Newberg,’” she said, adding they travel from all over — Willamina, Salem and Vancouver, Wash. — and they always come back. The wide selection of handbags is a big draw. “Mine are all unusual and the prices are awesome,” Schroeder said. The word “unique” in the new shop’s name isn’t a gimmick — there actually is just one of every handbag. But she sells a lot more than just handbags. Janis Unique Handbags will also offer scarves and shoes, while Janis Jewelry & Gifts will maintain its wide variety of wares: fashion jewelry, costume jewelry, unusual greeting cards, journals, children’s items, gift foods, books, specialty items, men’s watches, designer fragrances and more. Many of the items are locally produced. “I have a lot more in here than people realize,” Schroeder said, quick to clarify: “It’s not a knick-knack shop. Everything I have has a purpose.” She is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment for groups on Sundays. Janis Jewelry & Gifts is located at 718 E. First St. Janis Unique Handbags will be at 716 E. First St.