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Iconic Institution | Rusticks
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2021/09 – September
At the core of Rusticks’ 30-year history is an endlessly-surprising inventory and a concierge level of customer service. Find out for yourself at 32 Canoe Point in Cashiers.
Manager Nancy Albers
In its 30th year, Rusticks Furnishings is a familiar, well-supported institution in Cashiers and is patronized by everyone from visitors to weekenders to seasonal and full-time residents.
Store Manager Nancy Albers said, “Rusticks is really a destination place for a very diverse group of people. And when ‘guests’ come into the store, they might purchase a lamp or a candle or we might work with them to furnish a whole room or an entire house. Rusticks really caters to a wide variety of needs and tastes and interests. Nothing is cookie cutter or matchy-matchy.”
Nancy explained that Rusticks has achieved success due to its ever-changing inventory and great customer service. “We have some exclusives with vendors as well as handcrafted local artisans, a high-end, North Carolina-made upholstery line, a large selection of furniture from dining to living, to bedroom to outdoor, to lighting. Plus, we offer design services.”
Ann and Rody Sherrill established Rusticks in 1992. Over three decades, the couple nurtured the business, witnessing its growth from a 1,200-square-foot space to its current 7,600-square-foot location.
In January, the Sherrills sold the business to Pam and Don Gottwald.
Don explains the motivation to own the store: “I call it ‘rewirement.’ We wanted to own a local business. We’ve been vacationing in and around Cashiers for many years and recently bought a home here, so we already had a connection to the mountains. And then we found an iconic business that had momentum in this community. Plus, I worked many years ago in a small family-owned, high-end furniture retail store, so there was an emotional tug to own this store.”
The Gottwalds are thrilled that “Ann has agreed to stay on with us part time to help with design, merchandising, ordering, etc.,” said Don. “Her magic is creating different vignettes in the shop … we have an ever-changing storefront.
“The Sherrills have made the store a unique boutique, an iconic destination shop.”
