“I’m inspired by our local makers and what they’re doing.”
—Rachael Pusateri Riddle, owner, The Local Squirrel

“We gather our local products like squirrels gather their nuts,” says Rachael Pusateri Riddle, who founded The Local Squirrel two years ago. The shop in Cameron Village stocks local products, gifts, home decor, and jewelry. Riddle is a Raleigh native and Meredith College alumna with years of retail work under her belt, and she pays homage to both of those places in her own space. Place, she says, is a priority, in more ways than one. “Location is what was most important, and Cameron Village was the ideal location. I wanted to bring a lifestyle boutique to the Village.”

Riddle says she’s proud to showcase local artists and makers—they account for 70 percent of the store’s merchandise. Wares include Raleigh-based Porchfly Clothing and Peppertrain Jewelry, as well as national labels Rifle Paper Co. and HGTV’s Fixer Upper Magnolia Home line. The shop’s vibe is rustic and eclectic, with everything from the perfect gift for a bride to trinkets suited to bedside tables. “We try to highlight what Raleigh and the South are doing … I read a lot and am always travelling and looking for what’s new.” Riddle says she’s been surprised and excited by the many collaborations going on around the shop, such as neighboring sidewalk sales and special trunk shows. “We really thrive on community. I’ve noticed that the store has become a landing spot for people to just stop by and say hello.”—Catherine Currin

2012 Cameron St.; thelocalsquirrel.com