Vintage furniture and home goods shop Pearl Cottage is returning to Southold for an extended stay. Specializing in a mix of old and new with decidedly “creamy and dreamy” aesthetic with modern Scandinavian influences, the new Main Road shop is currently undergoing renovations ahead of a planned Memorial Day opening.
If the name rings a bell, it might be because Pearl Cottage first made its North Fork debut in the fall of 2016, in the form of a pop-up shop at the former Reichert Family Center on the Main Road in Southold. Though it only lasted a couple months, owners and sisters Laura Hansen and Susan Hansen Fasano had a feeling they’d be bringing the business back.
“We immediately fell in love with the area,” Susan said. “It is a warm, friendly community. We knew we wanted to come back.”
The opportunity to return came in April, when White Flower Farmhouse owner Lori Guyer alerted the sisters to another Main Road building that had become available next to Southold Pharmacy. Guyer was instrumental in finding the pop-up retail space years earlier and encouraged the sister to act fast. In less than a month, they had signed the three-year lease on the 800-square-foot storefront, and have been making cosmetic updates and stocking inventory prior to its opening.
The shop features white walls and cabinetry that invoke a peaceful and coastal vibe. Merchandise includes wood furniture, large baskets, handmade pillows and clothing.
“It is everything you’d need to fill your little cottage,” Susan said. “The cottage feel is our muse.”
The Hansens founded Pearl Cottage in West Sayville five years ago. Growing up in East Islip, the duo inherited their repurposing gene from their parents, who were antiques dealers. When the business started it was 75% reclaimed and repurposed items, but has evolved over the years to incorporate newer items curated through trade shows, markets and travels.
“We love the concept of bringing new life to old things,” Susan said. “Finding something on the roadside is a golden treasure to us.”
They sold the West Sayville location in 2016 prior to the North Fork pop-up and then moved into a storefront in Blue Point and later Bayport. Pearl Cottage on Main in Southold will be the business’ second location.
“In an era when you can buy everything online and have it to your house in two days, we hope to create an enjoyable shopping experience for our customers,” Laura said. “With warmth and a smile, more than what you’d get with Amazon.”
Pearl Cottage on Main is located at 53935 Main Road, Southold. It will be open year-round, Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
