I am so excited to introduce you to the Charleston rolling-boutique, Emerson Row! I met Emily Richardson and her airstream last fall at the Charleston Mac Off! I remember telling my husband how much I loved her inventory and her style. Find out more about @EmersonRow in our interview below!
EMERSON ROW
Owner: Emily Richardson
Products: Home decor, children’s items, locally made items from craftsmen and artisans
TDC: Emerson Row is a very unique boutique in the fact that it is mobile! How did you come up with the idea of a rolling retail space?!
ER: I have had Emerson Row since February 2011, and I started out in booths in antique stores. I’ve also had two different store fronts. I was eager for a change and wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and explore a new concept for my retail business. I have seen mobile clothing businesses, but I’ve never seen one that sells home decor and gifts here in South Carolina. Some people thought my idea was insane, others were totally on board with me.
TDC: I believe Charlie is the name for your airstream; did Charlie require a lot of renovation before becoming the home of Emerson Row?
ER: Charlie is the name of my 1964 Globe Trotter Airstream. Charlie is short for Charleston. It seemed fitting to name her that because Emerson Row was “born” in Charleston in 2011, and I decided last summer I had to get back to the Charleston area to chase my “rolling retail boutique” dream.
TDC: How would you describe the type of products carried in your shop?
ER: When I first started the business, I mostly repurposed new and old furniture. I carried very little decor items. Now, I carry home decor, children’s items, gifts, and lots of locally made items. I represent lots of local craftsmen and artisans within South Carolina. I like to keep it local as much as possible! I’m all about supporting small businesses.
TDC: Do you have a new favorite item that you’ve recently added to your inventory?
ER: Obviously, I love all of my items that I carry. One of my new favorite items would have to be the wire taxidermy pieces I recently started carrying. These are made in Charleston by the talented Alison Ross. (see below)
TDC: Are there any set hours or locations for Emerson Row right now? What is the best way for people to find you and Charlie?
ER: Right now, I am setting up a few days a week at Brown Fox Coffee’s location at the corner of Simmons Street and Coleman Blvd in Mount Pleasant. We are there until 4pm during the week. I am participating in a lot of events around Charleston and Mount Pleasant. I will soon be adding places around Shem Creek to park this spring and I will always announce ahead of time on my Instagram account and my Facebook page the days and hours and location.
TDC: If followers see something they love on your Facebook or Instagram account, are they able to contact you to purchase? Do you ever ship items?
ER: Absolutely! I respond promptly to both Instagram and Facebook messages. Anyone can contact me via email or phone number that are listed on there. I’m always shipping items to my customers! Online orders are a huge part of my business.
TDC: If someone would like to contact you about having Emerson Row at a function or event, what is the best way to do that?
ER: They can contact me at EmersonRowSC@gmail.com or 843.687.2534.
TDC: Always a hard question for people, but what is your favorite Charleston area restaurant right now?
AC: I could name so many! This is a hard question. I would have to say Red Drum and Tavern & Table in Mount Pleasant, and Edmund’s Oast and Cypress in downtown Charleston.
Be sure to follow along with Emily as she continues the exciting ride with Emerson Row!
Happy #FollowFriday and stay tuned for our next interview in 3 weeks!
Best,
Emily Kirby