Sweet Home Finds its Place in White Bear Mall

Sweet Home may be a new addition to downtown White Bear Lake, specifically the White Bear Mall, but the shop fits in just fine. That’s due in no small part to hands-on owner Charity McClung. A former White Bear Lake resident who has since moved with her family to Hugo, McClung has ties to the downtown area and knows its clientele. Her shop, filled with artisan-made goods and thoughtfully repurposed jewelry and furniture, is in keeping with the neighborhood’s charm. “It’s kind of a perfect fit for a small historic-town feel,” says McClung.
   
The merchandise reflects that sensibility. Many items are French-inspired, reflecting McClung’s Francophile tastes. With a background in retail, she’s designed the store to have the atmosphere of a Parisian flea market. From soft color schemes to fleur-de-lis accents, there is a definite je ne sais quoi to the shop, where everything from pillows to T-shirts is utterly unique.
   
But “one-of-a-kind” needn’t mean expensive. Along with co-owner and White Bear Lake resident Patty Clark, McClung makes it a goal to keep prices reasonable and draws her greatest inspiration from her own tastes when selecting pieces to sell. And with the shop only open Thursday through Saturday, there’s plenty of time to restock with a stream of new inventory each week.
   
This year marks the first holiday season at Sweet Home, and McClung is looking forward to it. She plans to add to the shop’s selection with a collection of vintage ornaments, so that the holidays are just that much more beautiful.

Sweet Home: White Bear Mall; 2186 Third St., Suite 104A; 612.414.7446. Open Thursday–Saturday; hours vary.