A’Mano: Business Spotlight

A’Mano, one of Mountain Brook Village’s most unique gift shops, will be expanding at the first of the year into the space where the ABC store is currently located.

The store, known for its distinctive and hand-made items, will add more accessories with the expansion, as well as offer some new lines.  They also plan to expand on lines already in the store that are popular among customers.

“It’s really going to be a great addition to what everyone already loves about A’Mano,” Owner Lynn Ritchie said. “We can spread out a little bit, and we’re really excited about getting in there.”

A’Mano, meaning “by hand” in Italian, first opened in Crestline 13 years ago and moved to its current location at 2707 Culver Road a year after being in business.

It is known for having one-of-a-kind items, and Ritchie says she tries to find things that are not carried in other stores locally.

Some of these items include blown glass, functional pottery, jewelry, plaques, doormats, handbags and holiday items.  Ritchie says they are known for their crosses, one-of-a-kind greeting cards and nativities.

“We always try to find new and different nativities,” she said.

A’Mano is the only store in Birmingham to sell R. Wood dinnerware, which is one of very few studio potteries in America that hand-makes each piece.

Another wonderful feature of the store is the complimentary gift-wrap they offer on all items.

Food items are sold at the store, as well, including cookbooks by local chefs.

“It’s always been one of our focuses to support artists in Alabama, as well as nationally,” Ritchie said.

A’Mano is known for having unique nativities that add character to traditional holiday décor, and something they have become known to carry, Ritchie says.

Their greeting cards are also very unique and popular among customers.

“We’re known for our cards,” Ritchie said.  “They’re all different and unusual.”

From jewelry to dinnerware, A’Mano offers a wide selection of hand-crafted items that are great for any person at any price range.

“Really a gift for any occasion you can find here,” Ritchie said.