Aahs! Gift Store Relocates to Encino

Sherman Oaks' loss becomes Encino's gain.

which calls itself ' The Ultimate Gift Store' is packing up and moving from its current spot at 14612 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, to a bigger store about one mile west in Encino.

The new location, at 15960 Ventura Blvd. is much bigger: 12,000 square-feet in Encino compared to 4,000 in Sherman Oaks.

"We have a big parking lot next to the new store, much better than the parking situation in Sherman Oaks," said manager Michael Jackson, standing on top of a ladder, fixing a ceiling panel as customers filtered by him in the Encino Aahs!, which just opened.

"Also we're seeing a different clientele in Encino. Each purchase is usually twice as large as the ones we're getting in Sherman Oaks. Lots of teenagers shop at the store in Sherman Oaks and some of them just put the stuff in their pockets and walk out.

"The Encino store is attracting a slightly older crowd and these people tend to pay for things they want to take home," added Jackson with a smile.

"I'm really going to miss this place," said Lisa Freedman, who was looking for a gift at the Sherman Oaks location. "I've been coming here for years, just love all the tchotchkes, perfect little things to pick up for fun, cheap gifts," she said.

(In case you are wondering: tchotchke is from Yiddish tshatshke, "trinket," ultimately of Slavic origin. It is also spelled tsatske.)

Aahs! has been in Sherman Oaks on the corner of Cedros Avenue since 1991. The closing sale is offering big discounts on a whole range of products.

What are they selling? Everything from toys to T-shirts, key chains, greeting cards, flowers, banners, statues, bags, books, trinkets and much more.

Services include gift wrapping, gift certificates and shipping.

A few days ago a large crowd of people were inside the Sherman Oaks store, buying much of the remaining merchandise that was marked down.

"Most of the stuff we're selling is priced at 50% off," said Fernando Arguello, a clerk.

I bought a book titled "Schmucks" by Jackie Mason and Raoul Felder, priced at $12.98.

After reading the first two chapters, I felt that I had overpaid.

Tried to return the book, but I was told, "sorry all sales are final."