Bluffton’s Storybook Shoppe Finds New Home in Tanger Outlets
Rebirth After Eviction
A month after its eviction from the small brick building in Old Town Bluffton it had lovingly occupied for nearly a decade and a half, the Storybook Shoppe, a beloved children’s bookstore, has found a new home. Having packed up its lively children’s books, vibrant stuffed animals, and engaging puzzles, it reopened less than 5 miles away at the Tanger Outlets 2.
A New Chapter in Tanger Outlets
Despite its sudden transition this year, the Storybook Shoppe has managed to maintain its enduring role as a community staple in the Hilton Head area. The store was handed a one-month eviction notice on the 5th of January, forcing them to leave their Old Town Bluffton site by February 10. Now, in its refreshed space, with kids sprawled out on plush rugs, listening attentively as Lowcountry authors read aloud during the grand opening on March 9, owner Sally Sue Lavigne declared the new location to be “even more magical.”
Overcoming the Transition
The journey to the grand opening was a hectic one, as Sally Lavigne says, with Tanger Outlets offering a lifeline at the end of January. The subsequent weeks were filled with painting, assembling bookshelves, and generating the ambience of a “beautiful magical environment.” Nevertheless, Lavigne asserts the result is worth it, and the sight of community members returning to enjoy the store is inspiring.
The Heart of the Community
“Bookstores are the heart of a community,” Lavigne declared, emphasizing the cherished social role of bookstores. Beyond simply providing a location to purchase books, she believes they serve as a communal space where people can gather and form bonds.
Store’s Operating Hours
The bookstore is set to remain open every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with hours extended seasonally. The new location is adjacent to the Nike store in Tanger 2.
Being such an integral part of the Old Town Bluffton community for nearly 15 years, the eviction and the subsequent search for a new suitable location was a hardship. However, the Storybook Shoppe has demonstrated resilience and an ability to adapt, ensuring its continued service as a cherished community fixture.
Source: HERE News Network
