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Call Gasparilla Gazette Editor Terry O'Connor at 964-2728 to nominate a company to run in Business Snapshot.

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The new Wild Goose Chase store in Boca Grande is unique with something to excite all five senses, said owner Patty Mais. Amid the chaos of preparing for a Nov. 28 opening, the Kalamazoo, Mich., transplant said gourmet foods, drinks and dips, art work, plush furniture and candles are among the array of goodies the store will offer.

Mais and her husband, Herb Mais, operated a chain of three Wild Goose Chase stores up north. All were much larger than the 1,100-square-foot outlet she's opened at 480 East Railroad Avenue.

"Customer service is our big thing," Mais said. "We can even come to the home to help with color selection, furniture arrangement and wall dcor."

Name of business: The Wild Goose Chase

Address: 480 East Railroad Ave.

When opened: Opened Nov. 28.

Owners: Patty and Herb Mais.

Employees: Four

Specialty: Service. Home dcor consultations available.

Why does Gasparilla Island work for you? "We own a home in Port Charlotte," said longtime educator Patty Mais. "My parents moved here 15 years ago and we followed. We always enjoyed coming here. "

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Business history: The Mais' opened the first Wild Goose Chase opened 22 years ago in Kalamazoo, Mich.

What's different about this business: "We try to find unique, locally made pieces of furniture," Mais said. "We order things you can't buy in the big stores. We stock furniture ranging from contemporary to classical. We like the whimsical. Here you'll find the unexpected."

Inventory: home furnishing, lamps, pictures, rugs and accessories. Personal care products by Thymes, Camille Beckman and Burt's Bees. Collectibles. Gourmet foods and dip mixes. Wide selection of alternative greeting cards. Decorators on staff to help with gift selections and/or design a personalized room for you. Nice quantity of Brighton jewelry, watches, sunglasses, handbags and belts. Assortment of Vera Bradley purses, luggage and accessories. Selection of jewelry by a variety of companies, including Treska.

Call Gasparilla Gazette Editor Terry O'Connor at 964-2728 to nominate a company to run in Business Snapshot.

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