In fact, Dale and Mary Lou Gibson purchased the house from a woman who had decided to move back into town.

"It's been interesting and exciting," said Mary Lou. "And has been going a bit slow."

The retirement project, which opened on the Victoria Day weekend, offers clothes, baby items, candles, books as well as a long list of other small gifts.

Dale said they decided to open up a small gift store based on the little stores they had visited on many trips up north that offered small little souvenirs.

The majority of the items that can be found in Lakeshore Treasures are either made locally or made in Canada.

"We wanted to offer something different, but still specific to the area," said Dale.

The store accepts cash only and this helps the Gibsons to keep things affordable while still offering quality gifts.

"Our goal was to look like a boutique and smell like a boutique," said Mary Lou. "But not charge like a boutique."

One of the problems that the Gibsons face is getting word out there about what they offer. Dale said part of the problem seems to come from people thinking that the house that hosts the gift shop is exactly that, a house.

Still, the Gibsons have delivered nearly 500 flyers to advertise Lakeshore Treasures and Mary Lou said the local community has been very supportive.

"They know we're new so they come and see what we have," said Mary Lou. "They are usually quite impressed."

Lakeshore Treasures is open throughout the summer until Labour Day. Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.