Linda's g2g Holds Official Grand Opening Party

, short for Linda's Gifts to Go, was abuzz with customers at its official grand opening Thursday evening.

The retailer was hopping with Port Washington residents enjoying a night of eating, drinking and shopping. Among the treats: a variety of yogurt flavors and toppings from 16 Handles, the new yogurt shop next door.

For Soundview resident Linda Levinger, there was plenty to celebrate. Back in August she'd relocated her orignal shop from 1 Soundview Drive to Port Commons with the help of her friend Melissa Ostrove. 

“We’ve had a great response and everyone’s just been great,” Levinger said. 

The store sells women’s teen’s and children’s fashion clothing as well as jewelry, belts, shoes and gifts.

“I just wanted to create a little bit of Manhattan,” Levinger said. “It’s very edgy. I don’t want to have the same thing that everyone else has. And I try to not carry brands that other stores around will have.”

In business since 2005, Levinger was inspired to open her store when she couldn’t find the right kind of gifts she wanted for birthday parties. So she decided to take matters into her own hands and started a business out of her house. People would call her up with ideas and a price range, and Levinger would deliver. She delivered so well that business flourished.

At the grand opening, Levinger said that in her business, two factors matter most. That her shop has something for everyone at every price point, and that she and her staff are welcoming to everyone visiting the ship. 

“We treat everyone really, really nice,” she said. “I try.”

Ostrove, who assists Levinger with the buying and merchandising, said she was happy to be onboard.

“We had always talked about if the time came and honestly, for me, it’s the best that’s ever happened to me,” Ostrove said. “And it’s nice that our daughters are the same age."

Both their daughters are 16-years-old, love the store and even go to the market to help pick out clothes.

“What she’s done — she started this in her house — is pretty amazing,” Ostrove said of Levinger.  “We have the best time every day.”