By Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Oct 16, 2008 at 11:07 AM

Just over two years ago we introduced you to the new JuJu Gifts & Décor, a fashionable home décor boutique at 222 E. Erie St. in the Third Ward.

Yesterday, co-owners Nichole Nikolic and Wendy Pawlyshyn launched an online store and Gift Services Division to complement the present brick and mortar location.

The Web site features many of the store's best sellers as well as an evolving selection of unique objects in several categories: home décor, personal accessories, relaxation and bath, stationary and books, children and novelty.

"People are busier than ever, so with time at such a premium, it made sense to provide our customers with an opportunity to shop local from home," says Pawlyshyn. "Our online store will serve our Internet shoppers and provide a sneak peek of our current inventory for those considering making a trip to the shop."

Nikolic says part of the decision stemmed from the country's economic state.

"Things are difficult for retailers everywhere, but they are especially challenging for small, independent businesses. Extending our accessibility outside of our Milwaukee market is one way we are coping with the recent downturn. We hope the fact that people are spending less can be offset by an increase in customers," she says.

Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.

As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”