Find a gift for everyone

Last Updated on Friday, December 09, 2011 03:33 pm Written by Claire Lowe Saturday, December 10, 2011 01:00 am

Arlene Voudouris, owner of The Shoppes at The Flanders, in front of her stores located just off the boardwalk in Ocean City. OCEAN CITY — Arlene Voudouris, owner of The Shoppes at The Flanders, has combined three store spaces just off the boardwalk into a gift boutique with a variety of options that will suit almost everyone. From antiques to scarves to watches and jewelry, The Shoppes at The Flanders is a mish-mosh of great finds from all over the world.

“I operate them as one,” she said.

Voudouris bought The Shoppes about three and a half years ago.

“These were always stores in the past,” Voudouris said, recalling years past when coming to Ocean City on vacation and staring in the stores, wondering who would be lucky enough to own them.

“For many years, I would cry when I told this story because I can’t believe they’re mine,” she said.

Voudouris says she carries “pretty much anything you can think of.

“It has been a developing story,” she said.

First she filled one store, then another and then the third until all three were operational.

In addition to providing anything a hotel guest might need, Voudouris has a considerable selection of women’s clothing, antique, artisan and handmade jewelry, and “probably the largest selection of scarves.”

A unique stocking stuffer is the magnetic pin, a jeweled pin on the outside, a forceful magnet behind strong enough to use on a sturdy hat or thick sweater.

“I buy things that I love,” Voudouris said. “You never know what you’re going to find here because I never know what I’m going to find.”

Voudouris said she goes to wholesale shows all over the country, but also keeps her eyes peeled in her personal travels.

“I buy a lot of things when I’m traveling, myself,” she said. “It’s a continuing thing. You can’t slow down. We have to keep going.”

Antiques are dispersed throughout the stores: some are tchotchkes and others pieces of furniture, clothing and jewelry.

Voudouris stumbled on a pair of shoes on one trip that she immediately knew she had to have: Onesole shoes. The sole of the shoe remains the same and the top of the shoe is interchangeable with four snaps.

“They’re the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear,” she said.

For children, Voudouris carries toys and games. For men: tools, mugs, a line of clocks and a variety of watches.

“The We Wood watches are really awesome,” she said.

For a wine enthusiast? Woozies fit a wine glass and keep wine at the right temperature. There are also aprons and shot glasses.

Looking for eco-friendly gifts?

“We carry a whole line of fair trade, handmade products from all over the world,” she said. “I try to have a reasonable selection of gifts for giving or keep for everyone.
Voudouris also carries Flanders memorabilia. In addition to a plethora of gift options, Voudouris said she offers low prices, too.

Currently, The Shoppes are open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, closed on Tuesday. After New Years, Voudouris is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information call 398-1735.