Think globally, shop locally (westallisnow.com 12/6/2006)
Oniomania
For something a little more untraditional, the West Allis gift shop Oniomania offers a variety of artistic gifts and jewelry. Clerk and artist Dale Dehmlow loves to get people into the tiny store to look around. After all, Oniomania means the irresistible urge to buy things, he said.
The shop, owned by Andrea Kopan, has items made by 30 artists.
"She (Kopan) finds the artists or the artists find us," Dehmlow explained. "We're always looking for unique things to sell."
The store opened in February 2005. For this Christmas season Dehmlow said vases with candles seem to be moving well. Items usually range from $20 to $50. Besides jewelry, the store has candles, soaps, purses, and woolen hats and scarves.