Summer 2013

Best Sellers in Raleigh, North Carolina By Becky Tyre

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique

Alison K. Perry, Owner
shopcutebuttons.com

Whether on his leash out front or perched in his tabletop bed, Tiki the cat, greets customers as they enter Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique in the plaza at Ashworth Village. Tiki is a local celebrity at the 1,125-sq. ft. gift store and even has his own mailbox for customer notes. Owner Alison Perry understands the value of pretty papers and customers can browse samples and inspiration boards, and create custom orders in a special room.

In the gift area of the store, monogrammed products are featured prominently in displays that mimic a wedding reception or party tables. The atmosphere is bright and fun with colorful product lines like Lolo Bags and Lily Pulitzer. Some of the best-selling items are inspirational greeting cards and calendars and Perry stocks a nice selection of gift books suitable for new fathers, brides and graduates. There is even a book about Tiki the Cat who gives back to the community every September when a percentage of proceeds goes to animal welfare groups in his honor.

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Perry worked in national politics in Washington D.C., an unusual career path for a gift storeowner.

Best Sellers
Stationery/Cards Curly Girl Design, Three Designing Women, Kris-10’s, Crane, Printswell, Stacy Claire Boyd, Ann Page, Clairebella, Kate & Birdie, Jonathan Adler
Fashion Accessories Lolo, Kate Spade, Lily Pulitzer
Home Décor Glory Haus, Clairebella, Lily Pulitzer
Candles Illume
Overall Compendium books, Southern Bucket, Tiger Lily, May Designs, Paper Source Calendars, Madison Park Group

Becky Tyre

Becky Tyre is the senior trends editor for GIFT SHOP Magazine and the owner of the Retail Details blog.