Is that P Cottontail Peeking through the Pumpkin Patch?

P Cottontail's Historic Downtown Store Front

Nestled away in the quaint ocean-side town of Half Moon Bay you can find the home of P Cottontail…yes, look… right there in the historic Main Street shopping district!  Not a bunny…but a darling children’s boutique that will soon be celebrating its 25th anniversary as part of this unique community.  Half Moon Bay, founded in the 1840’s was the first settlement in San Mateo County California, around 30 miles south of San Francisco.  The beautiful locale, a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean boasts postcard perfect vistas that include whale watching, acres of flowers, 2 lighthouses, redwood preserves, wineries, golf courses, luxury hotels and charming inns and a historic Main Street with unique shops.  This is where we find Peter Cottontail’s ‘home’ – not situated next to Mr. McGregor’s garden, but rather in a vacation ‘destination’ for lucky residents and tourists alike.

Sandra Murphy took over P Cottontail & Co a few years ago, but had known of the unique children’s boutique for years and “Really wanted it!”  She loves seeing the little babies that come into the store grow up and says “They are like my own little family!”  When asked what was the key to her success the answer was simple, yet succinct, “Very, Very, Very hard work!”  Sandra remembers that a friend once told her “Remember the first word in Specialty Store is ‘Special’ – and I have always tried to remember that!”  The area locals love merchandise that reflects the community – especially the horse lovers and world class surfers that frequent the store.  A local customer commented:

Stocked up on Le Top Halloween costumes

“I have always found this store to have the kind of clothing that makes shopping local a unique experience. Informative, attentive and friendly service, plus you actually get to deal with the same person the next time. The last time we went in, the sales person remembered my son’s name. He was thrilled and I was impressed.”

Sandra’s customers have even included some celebrities that stay in the beautiful Ritz Carlton nearby – including Angie Harmon and Brad Pitt!  Of course she stocks up with appealing and distinctive items at this time of year in preparation for the scores of tourists that will soon arrive…as she gears up for Half Moon Bay’s well known Art and Pumpkin Festival! (Check back on Monday to see more about this) 

Sandra’s good friends and family all pitch in to help at P Cottontail for this amazing community event – so popular that it attracts tourists from all over!  She is stocked up with lots of Halloween costumes – ready for all the festivities.  They have a costume parade, and as Sandra says, “Pumpkin Everything!” – including the weigh-in for the biggest pumpkin, pumpkin carving, pumpkin muffins, cookies and pancakes and lots of fun!

If you are a fan of the ‘Great Pumpkin’ – or just want to have a beautiful and relaxing break – make a visit to Half Moon Bay.  Stop in and say hello to Sandra, she is really fun!  After all, she’s the one that quotes “I LOVE Le Top!”

P Cottontail & Co
527 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650.726.0200

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A Happy Place – Just for “Connie’s Kids!”

Almost 25 years ago Connie Todd was working as an X-Ray technician at Chesapeake General Hospital.  Leaving work one day she noticed a sign announcing that a shopping center would be coming soon, directly across from the hospital.  Connie was also teaching Lamaze classes at the time, and knew the hospital was getting ready to open a new birthing center.  Suddenly all the pieces came together in her mind…she realized that there was a perfect opportunity to do something creative and positive – to open a needed children’s specialty store!  Connie had done some home parties, selling samples and was now ready to make her dream a reality.  Connie’s Kids recently celebrated its 23rd anniversary – a successful realization of a vision!

Connie’s Kids, a bright and happy store, specializes in something dear to everyone here at le•top’s heart – dressing children as children!  As Connie observes “They are only little once, and I encourage my customers to keep them “babies” as long as possible, because when it’s over, it’s OVER!” Connie has 2 children, but because of the unique environment at her store she has a huge ‘extended’ family – she is now working with ‘2^nd generation’ customers!  Specializing in special occasion clothing including Christening, Communion Wear and Flower Girl and Ring Bearer attire makes it possible for Connie to share in the joy of these momentous events in her customer’s lives.  At Connie’s Kids things are kept very real, yet very special – everything is still handmade, including the store gift bags.  Connie offers gift wrap and does everything to fulfill her customer’s special order needs.  There are exquisite choices for gift giving – including crocheted shawls and sweater sets hand made by Connie’s mom.

Connie Todd

Not only do we think Connie’s Kids is special, but her beautiful boutique has been recognized in Chesapeake, Virginia as Retailer of the Year and the best of Hampton Roads.  Connie regularly gives back to her community by hosting book readings by local author Sheila Kilpatrick and sponsoring fashion shows to benefit underprivileged children.  Connie’s Kids also has a beautiful website that offers all the special clothing and fabulous customer service that this unique boutique is known to offer local customers. Visit Connie’s website or drop in and become ‘one of the family!’

Connie’s Kids
701 Battlefield Blvd N
Chesapeake, VA 23320
www.connieskids.com

Tel: (757) 547-5437
Toll Free: (800) 547-6933

Monday – Friday – 10am – 8pm (EST)
Saturday – 10am – 6pm (EST)

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