Deidre Cox has opened The Gift Gallery as her own pre-emptive strike against empty nest syndrome.

&uot;In two years, my daughter is going away to college and I&160;knew I needed something to keep me busy,&uot; she said.

Cox opened The Gift Gallery at 401 Main St. Sept. 6 to share her eclectic style of home decor with her hometown of Natchez.

Attending her first major market this July in Atlanta, Cox was faced with a critical decision for her new store – what to put in it.

Cox specializes in unique pieces. &uot;I generally don’t buy more than two of anything, so you won’t find the same piece in your neighbor’s house.&uot;

During her time at the market in Atlanta, she ran into a representative from Sachs Fifth Avenue. Their philosophy on buying, she said, is the &uot;theory of thirds.&uot;

&uot;They buy a third of what they love, a third of what they like and third of what they hate – with the rationale that they will find something for everyone,&uot; Cox said.

&uot;I went with the philosophy of only buying what I would put in my own home,&uot; Cox said.

&uot;If I don’t love it or want it, I can’t sell it.&uot;

One of the most popular items in her collection is the trap candle.

Heavily perfumed, the candles cover the smells of pets, cigarettes, and strong cooking odors.

The merchandise in The Gift Gallery ranges in price from $3 and up.

&uot;People tell me my prices are good,&uot; she said.

Unique prints, candles, globes, fixtures, statuary, and furnishings lines the walls and open spaces of the shop.

The design of the shop was a joint effort by the entire Cox family. Husband Darrell and 15-year-old daughter Krista offered ideas for the look of the store.

The most fun in starting up this business, Cox said, is meeting the people who come into her shop each day.

&uot;The majority of my business is out-of-town folks,&uot; Cox said.

Locals, she said, may not be aware that a new business has moved into that east corner location of Main and Pearl Streets.

Until Christmas, Cox will open her store from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week and then 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.