And you thought you were living it up with your cheese-a-day calendar from Aldi.

A new 12-day advent calendar from Ben Garelick Jewelers on Transit Road in Clarence is set to put all others to shame this Christmas.

It’s a jewelry advent calendar, which counts down the days to Christmas with a different gift of jewelry each day, leading up to an engagement ring on Christmas.

The cost: A mere $48,000.

But take heart. If you don’t have a would-be fiance, you can get a discount.

Advent calendar givers don’t have to include an engagement ring, but those who opt to propose can choose one of three 1.5-carat rings valued at up to $12,000. The buyer can choose from yellow, rose or white gold jewelry.

Other boxes in the calendar contain baubles such as rings, necklaces and bracelets, including a Simon G. Pave Bar Diamond Bracelet worth $5,940 and a Gabriel & Co. High Polished Chain Link Ring worth $1,125.

Christmas is one of the most popular times of the year to propose, said owner Peter Manka.

“This is the ultimate way to surprise the love of your life,” Manka said. “Each day builds excitement, and with the option of an engagement ring on the final day, it turns the holiday season into a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

– Samantha Christmann

BFLO Store opens at The Boulevard

The BFLO Store has opened its latest location in the former Bed, Bath & Beyond store at The Boulevard retail center on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst. The store has a three-month lease.

It’s the company’s fourth store, after those in the McKinley Mall, Transitown Plaza and Walden Galleria.

The BFLO store sells Buffalo-themed merchandise, including official merchandise from the Buffalo Bills football team and the Buffalo Sabres hockey team.

The Botanist closes

The Botanist, a New York City-based medical marijuana dispensary at 192 Seneca St., has closed.

It was among the first places consumers in the Buffalo area could legally buy cannabis – before recreational cannabis was legalized in New York – as long as customers had a legally issued medical marijuana card.

The Botanist closure follows that of MedMen, another medical marijuana dispensary that was evicted from its East Amherst location in August after its California parent declared bankruptcy.

Medical marijuana providers without recreational licenses have said they’ve suffered as both the licensed and unlicensed adult-use market have prospered, allowing patients who use cannabis to buy the product elsewhere.

Applebee’s plans to close in Amherst

Applebee’s Grill and Bar will close its restaurant at 1641 Niagara Falls Blvd. in Amherst in February.

Applebee’s, owned by California-based Dine Brands, had a disappointing third quarter, with sales declining by 5.9%. The company cited lower-income consumers who are pulling back on discretionary spending.

“What we’re seeing is a very promotion-driven environment right now and a lot of ‘noise’ for consumers to sort through,” said John Peyton, Dine Brands CEO.

Big Lots closes store on Delaware

Big Lots has closed its store at 2276 Delaware Ave. near Linden Avenue as it reduces its footprint and winds its way through bankruptcy. As part of the effort, Big lots is closing more than 550 stores.

The off-price retailer has received court approval to sell its assets and ongoing business operations to an affiliate of California-based Nexus Capital Management. The transaction is expected to be complete in early December.

CDG buys The Bank in East Aurora

Carner Development Group has acquired The Bank, a boutique hotel and event venue in East Aurora.

The Bank was built in 1923 and has been redesigned to host weddings, showers, corporate gatherings and other social events. It has a caterer’s kitchen, bridal suite, courtyard, private parking, as well as seven hotel rooms themed after 1920s bank robbers, such as John Dillinger.

“This acquisition aligns with our vision to develop and manage exceptional venues that combine historical charm with modern luxury,” said Rachel Krajewski, president of CDG. “The Bank’s distinctive style and prime location make it an ideal addition to the CDG family.”

All reservations made under the previous ownership will be honored and the transition will be “seamless,” CDG said. Someone from the company will reach out to clients with existing bookings, it said.

Señor Leon opens at Walden Galleria

Señor Leon Mexican Cantina and Grill has opened at the Walden Galleria in a 5,000-square-foot space on the upper level near Macy’s and J.C. Penney.

The restaurant makes traditional Mexican cuisine, such as burritos, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas and desserts, as well as dishes from Southern Mexico, such as chicken mole poblano, chochinita pibil and chile rellenos. Señor Leon sources everything as locally as possible, from its ingredients to its furniture.

It’s the restaurant’s third location, after Batavia and Niagara Falls.