Sullivans Island Magazine, Summer 2016

24 / 28

22
Fall in LoveWithYour
Own Unique Purchase
Acquisitions Interiors
With its eclectic ViBe
and mix of old and new –
people, houses, shops – Sullivan’s
Island remains an undeniably
desirable destination.
This tendency toward
timeless beauty and bucking
trends bodes well for
homeowners looking to design with quality furniture and
unique pieces. That’s why many Sullivan’s Island residents
rely on Acquisitions for its assortment of antiques, custom
upholstery and reproductions, as well as
interior design services.
Family owned and operated for
nearly 30 years, Acquisitions offers a
variety of traditional and transitional
furniture in its 12,000-square-foot
store, located at 273 East Bay St. in
downtown Charleston. Kathleen Hope
and her sister, Mary Norvell Hughes,
run the business that was started by
their parents, Steve and Molly Hope.
Kathleen said, “The love and
appreciation for antiques and thoughtfully decorated homes
probably is in our blood. We attract clientele and designers
just as interesting and inspiring as the pieces in our store; to
see them truly love their purchases is gratifying.”
“What sets Acquisitions apart is that we offer antiques
that connect to the past with options for up-to-date
elements with upholstery, Italian reproductions, lighting and
accessories,” Mary Norvell said.
“Despite the e-commerce world we now live in, there
is really no substitute for seeing and feeling a French
buffet, circa 1880, or sitting in a sofa handcrafted in North
Carolina,” Kathleen said.
Barbara Spell of Sullivan’s Island has been a client for
about four years.
“Acquisitions is a warm and inviting store, with its mix
of old and new pieces and its array of fabrics in interesting
shades and contrasting textures,” she said.
Customers come regularly to the store just to walk
around and visit to see what is in stock. Recently someone
came in who had just been to a friend’s home on Sullivan’s
Island with a newly purchased antique from the store.
“She raved about it and wanted a duplicate for herself,”
Kathleen recalled, adding: “Our antiques are obviously one-
of-a-kind, so no two items are the same. But we love helping
someone fall in love with their own unique purchase.”
The owners of Acquisitions have built a strong
relationship with suppliers in the United States, as well as in
Italy and England.
“I joke that my little beach house could be the annex
showroom for Acquisitions,” said
Susan O’Malley, another client who
lives on Sullivan’s Island. “They have
an extraordinary creative flair and an
unsurpassed level of customer service.”
Working with family is the most
rewarding aspect of the job for the
sisters.
“We grew up alongside Acquisitions,
and being a part of that makes every day
meaningful,” she said.
As with any good business, the
staff is key. Emily Johnson has been with the company for
over five years, and Sarah Hunt recently joined the team.
“We treat them as an extension of our family, and they
respond by caring for the business as if it were their own,”
Mary Norvell said.
“I have so enjoyed working with Emily Johnson over the
past several years,” Spell agreed. “She is unfailingly cheerful
and accommodating and has impeccable taste and a great
eye for color and detail,” she said.
The goal for the future is to simply continue to provide
clients with unique, tasteful items for the home, according
to Kathleen.
“Charleston’s ability to remain historically beautiful and
attached to its roots while remaining current mirrors what
we do here at Acquisitions,” she explained.
To learn more, visit or call
843-577-8004.
By Pamela Brownstein
Dwelling
| |
Photo courtesy of Acquisitions.