The Company

BasketCase is a family run business located in downtown Wakefield, Rhode Island.  It was initially intended to offer its customers quality gift baskets with gourmet food items, but quickly grew into a quaint and homey gift shop serving customers of all ages.  The name came to Erin Arnold in the summer of 2003 and together she and her mother Joanne Austerlitz, drew up a business plan which they sought to implement.  They co-founded the business after finding what they thought would be the perfect location, a 150 year old house at 212 Main Street; thus BasketCase was born.  The shop has grown significantly since its doors were first opened and now provides even more quality jewelry, accessories, and gift boutique items with the same cozy atmosphere than ever before.  Come in and see for yourself.

The Family

Joanne and Jeffrey Austerlitz and their children Erin Arnold and Kevin Austerlitz, have lived in Wakefield for more than a decade.  Joanne, a registered nurse of 27 years, decided to change gears and opened BasketCase with Erin, a recent college graduate from the University of Rhode Island.  Kevin, the youngest child, is the webmaster for this website. He graduated high school in June of 2005 and currently attends The University of Connecticut.  Jeffrey remains in the medical profession, but, as does the entire family, spends countless hours assisting in running the shop.  The Austerlitz family and the Arnolds are both pet lovers.  Together they have two birds and four adorable dogs.  We welcome you to BasketCase and look foreword to seeing you soon!