For the Helton family, running a family business means spending a good part of their lives at the store.
So they've made themselves at home in Fisher's Gifts since buying the business back in January 1998.
While owners and managers Kirk and Alyson Helton are busy with customers, their children entertain themselves. After school, their son, Collins, 10, does his homework in the back of the store. Sara Wylie, their 6-year-old daughter, spends much of her time outside on the Highland Park Shopping Center sidewalks, which she decorates with chalk drawings.
As for Ady Layne, who's 4 months old, "the poor baby goes with me everywhere," Alyson says.
In the store, it's easy to see why the family has gotten used to the arrangement. The gifts, including candles, glassware, pottery, coasters, towels, collegiate sports items and other accessories, give Fisher's Gifts an aura of domesticity.
Other items might be found in a playroom. Groovy Girls are popular with girls. TY Pluffies catch the eyes of babies and young children.
Fisher's also sells greeting cards, stationery, party decorations and stuffed animals. And by Christmas, Lee Middleton dolls will be available, Kirk says.
The newest addition to the store is a rack of scrapbook accessories. Scrapbook enthusiasts can go wild with their choice of two sizes of paper, stickers and numerous embellishments, including glitter, photo brads, eyelets, and threads.
There's more to come, Alyson says. "We have a new packet coming in every day."
The store, originally downtown, was opened in 1963 by the Fisher family. It switched hands in 1979 and later moved to Park Avenue.
The Heltons bought South of the Border, a tanning salon next door, and conjoined the two businesses. They keep new hot bulbs in their tanning beds and have spray tan available for customers who want to avoid sun exposure,
