By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Auburn and Alabama paraphernalia line the walls; Tyler Candles fill the store with a homey aroma; and the staff of Davis Drug’s new gift gallery welcome customers with wide smiles and a cheery “how are you.”

Around six weeks ago, Davis Drug completed the doorway between the drugstore and the available room next door, and opened a store of gifts, including Arthur Court serveware, monogrammed tumblers and localized dishtowels.

“We used to have most of those gifts in the drug store,” owner and pharmacist Jim Davis said. “It was crowded in here. We’re trying to give Columbiana more variety and keep business in town.”

Dolly Ray has worked for Davis Drug for over 20 years; she now manages the gift gallery when she isn’t driving a school bus as a second job.

“A lot of people say this is a place to get good gifts,” she said. “Our top sells are monogrammed cups and Tyler candles. I’m an Auburn fan, but this store is a mixed store with both Auburn and Alabama gifts.”

Jane Fleming, a merchandiser from Montgomery, is helping the Davis Drug Gift Gallery find its footing. She said the store currently offers an array of spring and summer gifts, perfect for brides and hostess gifts.

“We’ve expanded the bride registry, and it’s gone over very well,” Fleming said. “Columbiana’s been needing a store like this for a while.”

The gift gallery is open for the same hours as the drugstore. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.