Southport Magazine

When you walk into Cattail Cottage it seems to be bursting at the seams. Each room, and the outdoor courtyard, is filled with decor, cards, and all manner of unique knick knacks. As it turns out, the store really IS bursting at the seams, and owner Pamela Sexton is ready for more space. We talked to Pamela about her store and its future in a new Southport location. 

Can you tell us a little about your shop and what you offer?  

Cattail Cottage is a home, garden and gift shop. Customers often comment that we have a little something for everyone! Our offerings include accent furniture, home and garden decor accessories, wall art, specialty lighting, inspirational gifts, collectibles, artificial florals, seasonal decor, pet-themed home decor and gifts, unique jewelry, candles, greeting cards and so much more! I am always looking for the most unique items to offer my customers…things they can’t find at big box retailers, and especially items that are American made.

How long have you been in business? 

I celebrated my 14-year Anniversary in August.

How has the business changed over the years?  

After 14 years, there are several aspects of my business that have changed. That’s what makes this business so much fun.  There is always something new and exciting, even when you think that there can’t possibly be any more new concepts/products! Social trends, building trends, gift trends…they are all important to consider and they shape the products I choose to share with my customers. I think the biggest change for me has been adding my online store. For years, customers would ask if I had an online store. I don’t know what solidified the decision to offer one, but I am sure glad that I did. My website was instrumental in helping me get through the COVID shutdown and restrictions.  

What changes have you seen in Southport over this time? 

I like to say Southport is a special anomaly. Our community has experienced tremendous growth since I opened in 2007. Even though we have more residents and visitors, our City has maintained its historically quaint atmosphere, which is what makes it so appealing to so many. Even though our downtown district is constantly expanding, it still has a “small-town” feel.  

Congratulations on your new space! Can you tell us where you’ll be and when we can find you there?  

Thank you! I am extremely excited! I will remain at my current location through the end of this year. In January of 2022, I am relocating to 416 N. Howe Street, which is just three blocks up Howe past the water tower. It is currently Rebecca’s Consignments (pink building). My plan is to be closed to move the first week of January 2022 and re-open on Saturday, January 8th, 2022 in the new location. 

What does the new location offer that makes it a step up?  

I am excited for the new location for many reasons, the first reason being space! I currently operate in approximately 1,300 square feet and I feel as if I am busting at the seams. The new location is approximately 3,000 square feet. Not only will I have more sales floor space, but I will also have the space to accommodate an improved setup for packing/shipping for the website.

What are you most looking forward to? 

It is tough to pick just one thing…but I will have to say the display windows! I have always wanted to have big display windows to decorate and change throughout the year to inspire my customers with their own home decor projects. This will be a space that I can really let my creativity run wild!

How will you use all the new square footage? 

I plan to expand my product offerings to my customers both in-store and online. Nothing is worse than seeing something spectacular that you would love to share with your customers only to be stopped by lack of space to showcase it.

What prompted this change of location?  

Looking back, it is a series of events that all started after the COVID shutdown. Business started off slow, but then 4th quarter of 2020 was surprisingly busy and that continued into this year.  That’s not to say I didn’t have any setbacks or roadblocks (literally – ha!), but overall, I have seen a steep curve in sales to the point I was feeling that I couldn’t keep up. Then, the building I currently occupy went on the market and was sold. While I had the opportunity to purchase the building, I felt as though the building that gave me my start was beginning to suffocate the potential of my business. I knew moving my business was going to take a whole lot of work and a leap of faith…but I was fortunate enough to know of a great fellow business owner (Rebecca) with an amazing building that was possibly becoming vacant in the near future. AND…it all worked out…just as it was supposed too!  

Can you speak to the importance of shopping local?  

Shopping local is extremely important to our community. Our independent businesses are what make our community unique and make it an exciting destination for our locals and our visitors. When you shop with your local businesses, you will often have a unique personal shopping experience and quality customer service that you often lack with larger corporate retailers. In terms of economics, supporting local businesses creates and maintains jobs for your neighbors and friends and directly impacts your local tax base, which is returned to the community from sales tax revenue. This revenue is often applied towards local infrastructure, police and fire departments, local libraries, and so forth. It’s a win-win!