Not one but three local businesses are expanding with spots in the former home of Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel, at 290 SW Broad St. in downtown Southern Pines. Next year, Thistle & Moon, Maisonette and Will-a-Bee will each have their own spaces inside the building.
- Thistle & Moon owner Mary Furby says she knew she outgrew her spot at Harbour Place a while ago. She is excited to have space for more workshops that can accommodate larger parties, more retail items, and a new by-the-stem flower bar. The shop’s current location is closing Dec. 23. You can expect to see the florist reopen by the end of January.
- Maisonette owner Amanda Reeves doesn’t have a timeline for opening, but says you can expect lots of coffee options as well as a light breakfast and lunch menu. Her head baker will be Alex Lane from Doughpe Breads, and Amanda is also continuing to partner with Sarah Mason, of The Local Mixer, for some syrups.
- Willabee owner Mary Garrison is separating her business model into two different spaces. She’s turning the current Vass location into The Nectary, which will carry baked goods. Will-a-Bee Market will open as the county’s first zero-waste shop and carry refillables, pantry goods and more. The current location will be closing in January while The Nectary gets a revamp and Willabee builds its new hive. Note: Willabe has opened since this story was published. Here’s a look inside.
Bronzed on Broad, a luxury spray tan studio, which opened in August of 2023, will be moving into the backside of the building from its current location above Mockingbird on Broad. Owner Alyssa Thorn is from Tampa and excited to bring spray tanning to the area. “My focus is making women feel confident and saving their time,” she says. Thorn is hoping to be up and running in March but the space previously existed as part of the front parcels and a door is being cut out for her new entrance. While there will be multiple booths, Bronzed on Broad will still operate by appointment only.
There’s a fourth spot on the main strip still available, and the women all agree it would be cool to see it occupied by another woman-owned business.
“We’re already talking about all the ways we can work together and support each other,” says Amanda. “It’s really women supporting women.” Mary Furby adds, “I think we’re a good combo and this helps to expand downtown, connecting things happening further down Broad Street.”
