The Hoot

The Hoot has proudly served our Eastern, CT community for over 40 years. A local, family-owned, independent retailer. Kathy and Robin Chesmer opened The Hoot November 10, 1967 in a small store on Main Street in Willimantic, Connecticut. Kathy and Robin saw the need in their hometown for a gift store that was a little different with a diverse selection of trendy merchandise. The venture was a success! Over the past 40 years, The Hoot has relocated 7 times—3 different locations on Main Street and 3 locations in a mall…and recently into a new convenient setting with The Hoot's own store front at 86 Storrs Road in Mansfield, Connecticut. With each move, The Hoot has gotten “bigger and better”—improving upon our eclectic mix of merchandise and our unique shopping experience, but always staying within the Willimantic community for our “favorite” customers!   The Hoot is a family run business with a wonderful group of about 20 devoted employees. Kathy, along with her daughter Lisa, work daily to provide a great shopping experience for people in our community. The Hoot has a wide variety of gifts; jewelry, clothing, bath and body, candles, garden adornments, gourmet foods, handmade pottery, educational toys, greeting cards and more. Kathy, who does the buying for the store, continually searches for unique items, focusing on affordable handcrafts from around the world. Everyday something new is arriving. Lisa, who does the visual merchandising, creates The Hoot's pleasing shopping environment.   Our customers continually comment that The Hoot is their “favorite gift store”...a place to relax, spend time with friends, have a snack, find the perfect gift, find something special for yourself...a unique, shopping experience! The Hoot offers convenience, as well. We are well known for our gift wrapping—especially helpful when you are shopping last minute and are on your way to the party! Whether you want to get lost for an hour browsing through our beautiful displays or need to make a quick stop, The Hoot offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and great service.