FANTASTICKS ADDS CHRISTMAS OPERATION AT PLAZA GALLERIA

The Fantasticks gift shop in Cape Girardeau's Plaza Galleria has added a `Christmas Store' to its operation.

The Christmas Store is located in the east end of the building, which formerly housed Malissa's Restaurant. The new operation will feature 14 decorated theme trees.

It will also feature several decorated half trees, Christmas trees designed to be erected against a wall.

Among the tree themes this year are the Patriotic tree, the Bavarian Alpine tree, the Peach Musical tree, the Dickens' tree, Santa's Workshop tree and the Upside Down Crystal tree.

"The store is decorated with a home setting in mind," said Kristi Howard of Plaza Galleria. "The purpose is to give people some creative ideas for decorating their own homes for the holidays."

The Fantasticks Christmas Store carries a large selection of merchandise, including artificial trees, ornaments, garlands, wreaths, lights and outdoor decorations.

Table-top decorations, collector villages and Christmas gifts can be found in the regular Fantasticks gift shop.

Hours for both stores are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

"We'll add Sunday hours about mid-November," said Howard.

Mary Lou Hinton, manager of Fantasticks, will also serve as manager of the Christmas Store.