Nestled quaintly in the first floor lobby of the Ariel Broadway Hotel, 301 Broadway in downtown Lorain, is a gift shop many may not even be aware exists. Travelers to Lorain looking to snap up a little local souvenir from their trip may be more familiar with the local space. But, Laurel “Lollie” Bansek, the owner of the shop, is hoping that everyone who loves Lorain will stop in to see her.
Bansek’s husband is Steve, a longtime Lorain community leader served as the Lorain Municipal Clerk of Courts for 25 years. Opened in what once was the board room of the hotel, Lolipop’s Gift Shop has grown to Lolipop’s Boutique & Gifts. And, if shoppers are looking to showcase their love for Lorain in all seasons or are just looking for something fun and fashionable to add to their closet, they won’t be disappointed with the Lorain-themed trinkets and assortment of fashionable clothing.
While the space is relatively small, it’s chock full of all things Lorain. Shoppers can find keychains, mousepads, coffee mugs, postcards, magnets and more, most with the now well known “Lorain” script logo or beautiful shots of the famous Lorain Lighthouse. There also is a nice selection of clothing, both Lorain-themed and high fashion, and a varied selection of what can only be described as “crazy socks.
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So, an idea was born. Why not shift from photography to Lorain-themed souvenirs, and she opened her business as Lolipop’s Gift Shop, which was located at 408 Broadway in downtown Lorain. A lot happened on Broadway during the first four years of the shop, including “The Big Dig,” the restructure of the road itself, new sidewalks and the addition of the arches, both entering and exiting downtown.
At times, Bansek said it made for limited shopping, but the shop managed to survive the hard times. When she heard that the Ariel Broadway Hotel would be renovated, she said her interest was piqued. Related Articles Local News | Avon High graduate secures spot in Ohio State University Marching Band Local News | Freedom Rally planned at Oakwood Park in Lorain Local News | Avon Lake community read focuses on ‘Finding Dorothy,’ ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Local News | Avon on the Lake Garden Club to hold Presidents Tea Local News | Black River Audubon taking part in special Monarch Tag and Release event Through her son Stephen G.
Bansek, who then was a member on the Lorain Port and Finance Authority Board of Directors, she made contact with Radhika Reddy, managing member and co-owner of the Ariel Broadway Hotel and worked with the Port Authority to get financial and grant assistance. Bansek said Reddy invited her to move her shop into the hotel. Lolipop’s Gift Shop opened Feb.
1, 2020, and the hotel’s official grand opening was March 1. In summer 2022, Bansek decided to add women’s clothing, starting with beach/lingerie coverups, and then in the fall, ponchos and ruanas. Then, in summer 2023, she added some additional clothing.
And, in winter 2023, Bansek started carrying sweaters and jackets. In spring 2024, the shop went fully into women’s clothing including “curvy,” which is plus sizes in other retail stores. With the addition of a full line of women’s clothing, the shop was renamed Lolipop’s Boutique & Gifts.
The shop also has such items as Lorain-themed shot glasses, unique jewelry, one-of-a-kind scarves and even Christmas ornaments. “It is the only retail store of its kind in downtown Lorain, and it’s a great place for the locals to find something unique,” Bansek said. 301 Broadway, Lorain www.
lolipopsboutique.com or 440-225-8957.
