Starfish Award Winner: The Cottage Shop

The Cottage Shop in the Outer Banks has been a coastal style and decor destination for decades, but its reach extends far beyond decor and gifts. Giving back is stitched into its story, from holiday traditions to everyday customer choices.

One of its hallmark programs is Skip a Bag, Save a Turtle. When the local plastic bag ban was overturned, The Cottage Shop chose to stick with gift-ready paper bags, even at a higher cost. In 2019, it launched the initiative to ask customers to forgo a bag.

“Our roots are here, and it shows in how we give back.” — Amy Smith, Buyer

Turtle-y successful

For every “yes,” the shop donates 10 cents to the sea turtle rehabilitation program at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. “It really does add up,” says Amy Smith, buyer for The Cottage Shop. “Over the life of the program, we’ve donated more than $7,600 — the equivalent of 76,000 bags saved.”
Guests have embraced the effort, even requesting the shop’s attractive turquoise bags for reuse.

The Cottage Shop’s coastal decor shines on a display table at the store.

Photos: Neil Thursto

Customers count

Community commitment also shines during the store’s Holiday Open House. Guests can purchase a $10 ticket to attend a preview night. Proceeds benefit the Outer Banks Woman’s Club Angel Gift Program, which buys holiday gifts for local children in need. The Cottage Shop also matches every ticket dollar at the event.
“Our roots are here, and it shows in how we give back,” Smith says.

With nearly 80 years of history through its parent company, Kellogg Supply Co., The Cottage Shop carries on a tradition of service and goodwill. Smith says of the bag initiative and other give-back programs, “It all comes from a combined love for the Outer Banks, and our customers have really supported us.”

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Starfish Awards recognize retail stores in our industry that are making a difference through charitable donations and efforts. Is your store worthy of an award? We’d love to hear from you! Complete an entry form at www.seasideretailer.com/starfish-award.