Stacked atop a shelf in Schram’s Self Defense Products store, a glittering row of rhinestone purses quickly draws the eye. But the pink, black and brown bags are not meant solely as a fashion accessory, they are also intended to offer the holder a sense of protection. Built to pack a weapon — the conceal purses are just one of many non-lethal self-defense items that can be purchased at the store located at 1011 Broadway St. in Niles.

The business is owned by Lisa and Rick Schram. On Friday, the Buchanan couple celebrated opening day with a ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce. 

In addition to conceal purses, customers can find pocket knives, pepper spray, foams, gels, bullet proof vests and plates and 20-million-volt stun guns. They also sell protection “cat key chains,” with pointed plastic ears intended to ward off a potential attacker. The items range in price from about $30 to $55.

After signing a lease for the space inside Majerek’s Square, the couple began painting and preparing the business for opening day. Both said they were happy for the opportunity to debut Schram’s Friday.

“It feels good,” Lisa said. “We worked … to put something in here for everyone, whether you are male or female.”

The couple was first compelled to sell self-defense tools after one of their mutual friends was attacked at a gas station in St. Joseph in 2008. The woman survived the encounter, but was left shaken by the incident. Both Lisa and Rick said they pondered whether the incident would have gone differently had their friend had pepper spray or some other tool to defend herself. As a result, Lisa and Rick started selling self-defense tools at gun shows that same year and have traveled across the state of Indiana selling the products.

“It just grew from there,” Lisa said. “A lot of people think they don’t need [self-defense gear] because they are not in that position, but they are every day.”

The couple said they saw a need in the Niles community and felt inspired to start their own business.

Lisa and Rick have earned a concealed pistol permit, which gives them permission from the state to sell stun guns. Before selling the equipment to their customers, Lisa or Rick will give a 10 to 15-minute demonstration on how to properly use a stun gun or pepper spray product. They aren’t required to do this, but offer it as a courtesy. To purchase the merchandise, customers must be 18 years or older.

Those who visited the store Friday got to see a stun gun demonstration as they explored the store.

In the months to come, the couple said they are eager to expand their business. They hope to eventually sell gun holsters and gun accessories.

Merchandise from Schram’s can also be found online at  schramsselfdefenseproducts.com.