PEPPERBERRIES

Pepperberries is one of the most popular destination shopping spots in downtown Culpeper. Having just celebrated 20 years in business, the boutique has a faithful following of regular clients and out-of-town shoppers, winning accolades like Culpeper Times’s Best of the Best Gift Shop.

Sharon Clark has owned and operated Pepperberries since 2003. Since its inception, the boutique has been a refreshing place. Guests can soak in the carefully chosen selection of gifts like fashion accessories, purses, jewelry, home decor, “feel good” books, baby boutique items and Culpeper merchandise.

“We are a happy place. We’re always bright, colorful and cheery — and we want you to have a happy experience while you’re here. I’m so glad we moved here. This is it for me. I love, love, love Culpeper,” Clark said, who has been a lifelong Virginia resident.

The tagline of Pepperberries is “uptown style, downtown charm,” which is reflected in its variety of high-quality gift items. Clark brings a blend of custom gifts from various sources to her shop. You can find Kendra Scott jewelry and HOBO bags as well as other unique accessories from smaller vendors. Some of the most-wanted items in the store are uniquely made for Pepperberries, too.

“We carry items unique to Culpeper, like 22701 jewelry and pillows. Culpeper pillows are one of our bestselling items. If you are in a small town and you bring something new, people flock to it. It’s great to create new things exclusive to your store,” Clark said.

Pepperberries updates its selections periodically, incorporating new products. To make room for new ideas, Pepperberries also opens a specialty “pop-up shop” for two months with a unique theme. You can find this limited-edition shopping space right through the entrance labeled “the second door.”

“I like to switch things up and include whatever inspires me. If there is something we like, we just do it. We’ve been doing this for two years, and it’s been fun!” Clark said.

On top of providing top-quality gifts and accessories, Pepperberries specializes in excellent customer service. Clark understands that shoppers want to be treated with great respect and have a pleasant experience, so she does everything to make their experience top notch.

“One of the things I tell my employees is that the first visit is important, but the second is even more important. If they’re willing to come back, then you’ve been successful. We want to be there and form relationships with people,” Clark said.

Having found her home in Culpeper, Clark wanted to give something back to the community. So, she founded “Pamper Me Pink,” which just celebrated its 18th anniversary. This organization raises money throughout the year to pay for men and women who can’t afford their mammograms. Partnering with the UVA Culpeper Hospital, Pamper Me Pink has funded over 700 free mammograms over the years.

“It saves lives, and it’s a great way to give back to the community,” Clark said, who is also an avid community volunteer and on multiple boards and committees.

“Downtown Culpeper is a destination. I don’t believe any of us would be here without each other. It’s not just about Pepperberries, but it’s the whole block. The entire downtown, with the variety of stores and restaurants around, is what makes us special. We are all extremely fortunate to be in downtown Culpeper.”

Pepperberries is located at 102 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701.