The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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  • Vickie Mattison, above, owner of Mattison's gift shop in Lewisburg, displays her vintage jewelry and retired Vera Bradley handbags. Rick Barbero

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September 23, 2012

Lewisburg's newest gift shop fulfills owner's dream

By Tina Alvey Register-Herald Reporter

LEWISBURG — Born and raised in Greenbrier County, Vicki Mattison has held jobs in a number of local businesses — everyplace from Shoney’s to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. But, no matter what her occupation at the moment, she always held fast to her dream of owning a gift shop, of being her own boss.

That dream came true on Sept. 7, with the opening of Mattison’s, Lewisburg’s newest gift emporium.

“We offer antiques, handbags, jewelry and much more,” Mattison says, noting many of the items sold in the shop come from her personal collection.

“If it’s glass, I love it,” she says. “For 30 or 35 years, I’ve collected glassware and other antiques.”

Scanning the items artfully displayed around her cozy shop, Mattison acknowledges, “These are mostly things I’ve collected. But I have a big family and several friends that I think are going to keep me well-supplied, too.”

In addition to antique glassware, the shop features vintage jewelry, retired Vera Bradley pieces, old record albums and framed photos produced by local photographers like Pamela Barry. A display near the store’s front door holds CDs showcasing the contemporary Christian music of Quinwood songwriter/musician Lee Miller, a Mattison family friend.

Mattison is particularly proud of the unique jewelry, purses and other items hand-crafted by her daughter, Cynthia, who also works in the gift shop.

Cynthia Mattison notes her delicate sterling silver jewelry has been featured in a shop at The Greenbrier resort.

The Mattisons emphasize their shop offers “a price to fit every budget,” exemplified by Cynthia’s handmade $10 cloth purses — with designs varying from vintage movie stills to colorful sports and holiday themes.

A grand opening celebration, complete with prize giveaways, is promised next month, by which time Vickie Mattison says the shop will offer a seasonal assortment of pumpkins, carved and decorated by her talented daughter.

“Everyone is welcome to stop by anytime and browse,” Vickie Mattison says.

Mattison’s is located at 723 N. Jefferson St. in Lewisburg, next to Tudor’s Biscuit World. Current store hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday. The shop is closed Sunday and Tuesday.

— E-mail: talvey@register-herald.com

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