March 16, 2001

Huggable stuffed animals, fragrant fresh flowers, hand-painted scarves and MGH sweatshirts — these are but a handful of the engaging items offered at the MGH General Store and Flower Shop. From the day in 1942 when the Ladies Visiting Committee (LVC) first opened a then-tiny General Store in the Moseley Building, patients, visitors and employees have defined the store as the heart of the MGH community. This heart of the hospital has undergone some major changes this year — a recent face lift to the exterior of its current location on Blake 1, and the appointment of a new director to transform what happens inside.

Joanne Ellison (at right) was named director of the store in September, having served as acting director since June. Yet despite her relatively recent appointment, Ellison has been an integral part of the store for 19 years. "I love the MGH community," she explains, tracing her climb from cashier at the former WACC satellite shop to buyer and now director. "There's more leeway here than in a traditional retail setting. I can experiment and bring in different things — and it's a lot more fun."

Ellison was the natural choice to assume leadership of the store and its staff of 20. Departing director Linda Williams recommended her for the position, and was not alone in singing Ellison's praises. "We took a great deal of pride in recognizing someone who has grown and learned so much from the MGH," says Pat Rowell, director of Volunteer and Interpreter Services, which oversees the store. "Plus, Joanne is just fantastic at what she does."

Ellison's creative displays and promotions — including an employee discount card program, midnight shopping hours during the holidays and an online uniform ordering option for nurses — have attracted a following, both at the MGH and beyond. The Boston Globe featured the store in last Thursday's Home Section, dubbing it "one of the best places to shop in Boston."

The store retail network also includes the MGH Flower Shop, headed by florist and buyer Brenda Remes, and Images, the hospital's in-house hair and skin center. Managed by stylist Kathleen Gill, Images boasts a full line of cosmetic services and products. The salon also is known for its oncology patient center, which features an assortment of wigs, beauty treatments, prosthetics and a certified post-mastectomy consultant.

Since its foundation, the store has been sponsored by the Ladies Visiting Committee — a relationship that has continued to benefit the MGH community. "Over the years, revenue from the General Store and Flower Shop has allowed us to fund important and diverse projects throughout the hospital," says Lucy Burr, chairman of the LVC, which is composed of members who support care-related issues and programs throughout the MGH. "Thanks to the profitability of the store, we've been able to fund initiatives for Social Services, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, the MGH Chaplaincy, the HAVEN program and the Blum Patient and Family Learning Center." All proceeds from store sales flow directly back to the MGH, adding an altruistic twist to a thriving retail business.

For more information or to order from the store's online catalog, visit the store web site at http://www.mghgeneralstore.com.