Owner: Shannon LuQuire
By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
Small Batch, located in Village Square at 3515 Trent Road, offers unique gifts for the home and special occasions. The retail store sells both custom and standard items, bridal and wedding party gifts, as well as corporate, celebration and gratitude gifts. The bulk of the goods are American made, purchased in “smaller batches,” and not likely found on Amazon or in big box stores. By partnering with local artisans and suppliers, Small Batch is able to work with makers to customize beautiful items and create gift baskets that are instant favorites.
The shop has a wide array of gorgeous items including pottery, glassware, high quality linens, coffee selections and craft cocktail mixers, as well as rugs, self-care items, home goods, and more. Self-care products are all-natural and organic, and the owner, Shannon LuQuire, makes a concerted effort to stock earth-friendly products and packaging.
Custom-made gift baskets can be curated in the store, and can even be ordered on the phone or online. For example, customers can call and describe the event or theme they would like, provide a price range, and the staff will create a basket complete with a handwritten note. They can also send a photo for approval to simplify and streamline the gift-giving process.
For customers that enjoy a hands-on experience, Small Batch offers in-shop classes for floral arrangement, craft cocktails, cookie decorating, and wine tasting, just to name a few. Signup online! Or, if you are having a special party or event, Small Batch can also provide an adorable mobile bar, restored from a vintage horse trailer!
“I grew up here in New Bern, and gained experience in design while working for an ad agency in Raleigh and managing exhibit design for corporate trade shows,” says Shannon. “When we opened our design and marketing office in downtown New Bern four years ago, Small Batch was a small side business located adjacent to our Trade Ideas offices. We quickly outgrew that space and moved into our current location in February of 2021. We take great care in curating gifts for our clients and we pride ourselves in going the extra mile.”