Owner Roseanna Berkowitz says she just signed a lease on a space at 1140 Lincoln Ave. in Willow Glen and plans to open her doors there before Christmas.

Founder Pamela Keys-Rios opened Be Civilized in spring 1996, offering gifts, furniture and home-design services. Her philosophy at the time was a simple one. She said, "I don't want you to be bored or broke."

When Keys-Rios decided to relocate to Southern California in 2002, she sold the business to Berkowitz, a longtime customer. Under her direction, more outdoor and garden-related items were added to the stock.

Although signs in the front window of Be Civilized read "Closing our doors" and a for lease sign is up, its lease extends through March 2005.

Berkowitz says her new location in Willow Glen--space formerly occupied by the Black Sea Gallery--is 2,000 square feet. That's only a third of the 6,000 square feet she's now operating out of at 1345 The Alameda.

"I'll have two stores for a while," Berkowitz says.

"I want the new store to look just right before I open. I've ordered a lot of new merchandise, furniture and architectural items," she says.

One item Berkowitz is enthusiastic about is an aviary that works as a room divider. She plans to keep doves in it when the new store opens.

Lydia Tai, Berkowitz's landlord and owner of The Teak House operation next to Be Civilized, says she's been fielding inquires since posting a for lease sign toward the end of October. While she's talked to several people, she says she has yet to find the right tenant.

Berkowitz says the main reason she's relocating is the lack of foot traffic.

"Business is good, but I think your days go by a lot quicker when you have people walking in," she says.

"I look at this building and it's got so much charm and character," Berkowitz says. "We have our regulars in the neighborhood who walk over.

"It will be sad, but having a smaller store is a bit more appealing. I'll be able to merchandise it a little more exclusively and carry more special and one-of-a-kind items."