Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Local Gift Shop in Chester, Nova Scotia
The Village Emporium, located in Chester, Nova Scotia, is a unique gift shop offering a diverse selection of locally handcrafted products and items from beyond the region. Established in 2010, the business began as a partnership between Pat McNamee and Angela Kitching, who transformed their shared vision into a thriving community-centric retail space. With contributions from over 20 local vendors, the Emporium provides affordable, high-quality goods ranging from souvenirs and jewelry to handmade soaps, reclaimed wood decor, and consignment clothing.The store emphasizes supporting local artisans while ensuring an eclectic mix of products that cater to both tourists and residents. Its founders, leveraging their combined experience in running small businesses, have cultivated a welcoming environment that reflects the charm of Chesters seaside community. The Emporium remains a year-round destination, adapting its hours seasonally to serve its clientele effectively.
Services
Gifts & Souvenirs
Local Crafts
Handmade Products
Vendor Rental Space
Consignment Clothing
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer over 15 years of experience supporting local artisans in Chester.
- Our store features a curated selection of locally made and imported products.
- We provide affordable pricing on unique, high-quality handcrafted goods.
- Our community-focused approach fosters collaboration with local vendors.
- We specialize in seasonal and one-of-a-kind items for all occasions.
What people say
Diverse selection
Affordable prices
Charming store
Unique gifts
Pleasant experience
Services
Gift Shop
The Village Emporium provides a wide array of locally sourced and imported gifts, including jewelry, souvenirs, and decorative items. Our offerings cater to both tourists and locals seeking unique, affordable products. The store's emphasis on supporting Nova Scotian artisans makes it a community hub for handcrafted goods.
Vendor Rental Space
We offer rental spaces to local artisans and crafters who wish to sell their products without managing a standalone store. This turnkey solution allows vendors to focus on creation while we handle sales and customer engagement. Spaces are available year-round with flexible terms.
Handmade Products
Our inventory includes handmade soaps, candles, pottery, and textiles crafted by regional artisans. These products highlight traditional techniques and local materials, ensuring authenticity and quality. Each item reflects the creativity and heritage of Nova Scotias craftspeople.
Consignment Clothing
We feature a curated selection of gently used ladies clothing on consignment. This eco-friendly option offers stylish, affordable apparel while giving customers a platform to sell their pre-loved garments. Items are carefully vetted to ensure quality and presentation.
Seasonal Merchandise
The Emporium stocks themed products for holidays and special occasions, such as Christmas ornaments and summer souvenirs. Seasonal displays attract visitors seeking timely gifts, and our inventory rotates to reflect local events and festivals throughout the year.
People
Pat McNamee
Founder
Pat McNamee co-founded The Village Emporium in 2010 after moving from Montreal to Nova Scotia. As a former stay-at-home mom, she brought entrepreneurial vision to create a community-centric retail space. She retired in 2023 but continues to offer support.
Angela Kitching
Founder
Angela Kitching, a lifelong Nova Scotian, co-founded The Village Emporium with Pat McNamee. Her deep ties to the local community and experience as a stay-at-home mom informed the stores inclusive model. She remains actively involved in daily operations.
Questions
What types of products do you offer?
We carry locally handcrafted gifts, souvenirs, jewelry, handmade soaps, reclaimed wood decor, and consignment clothing from over 20 vendors.
Are your products locally made?
Most items are crafted in Nova Scotia by local artisans, though we also source some unique goods from outside the region.
Do you have seasonal business hours?
Yes, we operate year-round with seasonal hours: 10am-4pm Tue-Sat and 11am-4pm Sundays.
Can I sell my products at your store?
Yes, we offer rental spaces for local artisans. Contact us at 902-275-4773 for details on booth availability and terms.
Reviews (4)
Linda Rafuse
Jan 13, 2022
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This shop has such a great variety of local items, many from local artisans. It's a great place to find a special gift or to treat myself. Great prices, nothing over the top. Just a great little gift shop.
Karen Cook
Jan 13, 2022
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Our 'go to' place for gifts and local handcrafts for Christmas gifts and home decor items. Outstanding gifts at reasonable prices, and welcoming staff!
Catherine Clute
Feb 01, 2021
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Love this shop, the variety of products, and the attentive owners. I am able to do mist of my gift shopping here, and one year, when my husband couldn't get to the store, had them pick out my Christmas present for me.
Amanda Rogers
Sep 20, 2020
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Friendly staff and neat store! Always smells so good when I walk in the door. Very 'at home' feeling and such a great variety!