{New Boutique on the Block} Local Squirrel Plants Roots in Cameron Village

In anticipation of The Local Squirrel’s Grand Opening this Thursday, Lisa, Lindsey, and I had the great privilege to get an inside look at the store’s creation and talk shop with owner Rachael Pusateri about her story! After opening about a month ago, the Local Squirrel now has its roots and is fully prepared to celebrate its addition as a new local spark within Raleigh’s Cameron Village.

While talking to Rachael, the owner, she told us about her years at Meredith College and how she had grown up in the Raleigh area. From these personal connections to the City of Oaks, and Meredith’s “friendly” and domesticated population of squirrels, she was inspired to create the “Local Squirrel” shop name and locally-oriented culture for the store. And with a resume full of retail experience and a background in fashion merchandising and graphic design, she was finally able to bring her ideas to life with a gift store stocked with home decor, accessories, and tons of other lovable gifts. The Local Squirrel is, of course, intended to show homage through the name, but Rachael also made a point to invest in the local economy with 60-70% of her store merchandise coming from local and small business brands and artists. With local art by Anna Cate displayed on the walls, and shelves filled with products from Nicholas Askew Design, Stormees, etc., the store proudly highlights this local charm she has invested in. This gift shop is a haven to shop through and we have high hopes for its success in Cameron Village as it truly allows “Raleigh to love Raleigh”, as Rachel jokes about what sells well in the new boutique. Can’t wait to celebrate, shop and see what’s to come in the future for this local spark!

Don’t miss their Grand Opening event this Thursday, June 9, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.! The event will feature local brews from Big Boss Brewing Company, as well as scrumptious squirrel cookies!

During our quick visit and tour of The Local Squirrel, we were able to record a glimpse of the store atmosphere on our Periscope to share with you all… so go check it out at https://www.periscope.tv/w/1ZkJzlXggeZKv.

Follow Rachael and her team on Instagram at @thelocalsquirrel – they update four times a day!