By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
Lakesider Allison Schalitz has an extensive background in retail. When she and her family moved back to Ohio, a goal was to own her first business in Lakeside.
When she saw that Gifts That Give Back was moving to the former Marilyn’s 2 location, it was time to make her pitch.
“I’m like, ‘OK, I have to do it now, or it’s not going to happen,’” Schalitz said. “Since we moved back, I wanted to have a place in Lakeside.”
Schalitz is opening Allison’s Thrifts and Gifts at 209 W. Second Street, next to Miss Mercedes. She said she couldn’t have chosen a better place to open her first business.
“I love Lakeside, and I wanted to be here,” Schalitz said. “For me, it seems like the perfect place.”
Allison’s Thrifts and Gifts will have a unique collection of items on the shelves. It will be a mixture of some handmade goods; sourced goods from other small business owners she knows, like soaps and lip balms from the Concord Soap Company; jewelry; customized picture frames; Christmas and other seasonal ornaments; Lakeside-themed board tokens and thrift items from garage or estate sales.
“So many people enjoy the hunt and the thrill of shopping,” Schalitz said. “I want to cater more to the families of the younger kids. I think there are going to be so many different pieces to it.”
Schalitz was born and raised in Hilliard, Ohio, and has been coming to Lakeside with her parents, Linda and David Scott, since she was an infant. She earned a marketing and logistics degree from Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration a few blocks down the street at Franklin University.
Schalitz has been in retail for over 25 years. Her career began when she worked at Sears through high school and college. She’s been in different facets of retail, including Big Lots corporate. She held positions in Arizona and California before moving back to Ohio to be closer to family.
Schalitz’s parents are longtime Lakesiders. They also helped Schalitz with some of the work in the store, like painting, prior to opening. She now comes to Lakeside with her husband, Andy, and two daughters, ages 8 and 6.
“I could not do this without my parents,” Schalitz said. “They’re very instrumental in helping me and have been the biggest supporters ever.”
The store will be open all year, with limited hours during the shoulder season.
“We want to be able to offer Lakesiders another place to shop,” Schalitz said. “I feel what I have to offer is perfect for Lakeside.”
