MINT HILL – There seems to be something for everyone at HomeStyles Gallery, making it the perfect place to check off that holiday shopping list.
“We have such a variety here, it’s like a one-stop shop,” said Angie Smith, who owns the store with Angela McGraw. “You can get your gifts, your holiday decorating and even your own personal shopping done. You can get your Christmas outfit here at our women’s boutique.”
HomeStyles opened in 2001 as a consignment shop but quickly grew into something more. The owners moved the store into a larger space and began allowing different vendors to rent out spaces to fill with products for the community.
Nearly 18 years later, HomeStyles has over 50 unique vendors and is defined as a multi-merchant boutique offering clothing, shoes, baby and children’s items and clothes, specialty gifts, holiday and home décor, furniture, party essentials and jewelry. There is also a used bookstore and record store on the second floor.
“People can find great gifts here they can’t find anywhere else. Plus, it’s a calm and relaxed atmosphere and we have easy parking. People love that they can park right out front and walk in,” Smith said. “The whole shopping experience is more enjoyable than going to the mall, which is mass chaos.”
The store carries well-known brands like Simply Southern, Nora Fleming, Corkcicle, Lilly Pulitzer, Rainbow Sandals, Snoozies, Tyler Candles and many more, which Smith said has been a big draw for customers.
One of the top-selling products at HomeStyles this year, however, has been the Topsy Turvy Umbrella by Nufoot. It’s an umbrella with an inverted design that closes inside out, protecting your clothes, car and home from dripping rain water. It also has UV protection and is flip resistant.
Smith said the Sherpa-style pullovers have also been popular and are one of this winter’s biggest fashion trends.
Although HomeStyles has been around for many holiday shopping seasons, it’s still one of Smith’s favorite times of the year. She said there’s always a positive energy in the store and customers are happy.
“When people say, ‘I found the perfect gift,’ I can’t hear that enough,” she said. “I mean, that’s why we’re here.”
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