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Tryon gift shop offers new and vintage items

TRYON—Southern Agenda, located at 27 S. Trade St., has quickly become one of the most unique stores in Tryon. Owned by Mary Catherine Alexander, the eclectic gift shop is dedicated to showcasing local artisans, small Southern brands, and a variety of American-made products, both new and vintage.

Having relocated to Tryon from Niceville, Fla., Alexander named her business after a regular feature in Garden and Guns magazine, reflecting her passion for Southern culture. Southern Agenda offers a carefully curated selection of products, including books, art, jewelry, clothing, furniture, glassware, and items for children.

Alexander says that the gift shop’s old-fashioned approach to customer service sets Southern Agenda apart. She takes great care in wrapping gifts and strives to ensure each customer finds the perfect item.

“I pick items for the shop like I do for my home,” she says. “My upholstered pieces are new. My hard pieces and case goods are all antiques. I really like old Southern pieces.”

The shop carries brands such as Henredon and Baker Furniture. It features award-winning Southern foods, such as toffee from Arkansas and Sallie’s Greatest Jams, which has been recognized by Oprah Winfrey. Always with an eye on the holiday season, Alexander also stocks original foods and gift items perfect for Christmas.

Southern Agenda’s products cater to both men and women, offering pieces by local photographer Monica Stevenson, needlework by Luta Licata, and jewelry by Barbara Wilder and Meghan Brown, among others.

“Honestly, my store is a little bit like me; you never know what you’ll get,” Alexander says. “You never know what new items I might have in.”

Southern Agenda is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the shop on Facebook.