Ever since Neo Gifts moved from Allen Street to Elmwood Avenue, there has been a missing shopping experience in Allentown. Not that Allentown doesn't have some great shops these days, such as Black Cat Vintage and The Dress Shop, along with plenty of bars and restaurants. Still, when it comes to shopping for household gifts there has been relatively little to choose from. Thankfully, Patrick Monfort, owner of East End Salon (47 Allen Street) has opened a second business in the neighborhood - he's calling it city and country.
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Even before City and Country opened, Patrick always had a knack for showcasing a small assortment of thoughtful gifts in his salon, such as local handmade organic soaps. Now that initial concept has taken on an entirely new direction in the form of a stand-alone storefront just around the corner on Franklin Street. City and Country is loaded with all sorts of fun and unusual items, like the butterfly and birdhouses made from gourds for example. There's also the set of six tea candles in individual sake cups. After the candles are burned the sake cups can be reused... brilliant! Then there are the adorable stuffed animals made from recycled plastic bottles. The animals are soft, cuddly friends to the environment. There are recycled purses, as well as colorful scarves to pick from. City and Country even stocks gift cards made by two different print shops here in Buffalo.
Patrick has an eye for fun and affordable merchandise. He also has a penchant for seeking out local and/or organic and earth-friendly products. His displays are easy to browse and there are plenty of items to choose from. Patrick took over a former dead space on Franklin and has created a vibrant urban storefront with plenty of city and country appeal. City and Country is a welcome addition to Allentown, and deserves a round of applause from the neighborhood.
City and Country
497 Franklin Street
Buffalo NY 14202
716.883.1834
Patrick is a much needed asset in Allentown! Kudos to him!