Childrens' Clothing Gems Are a Mainstay at Little Purls

Nestled in the Mill Shop Plaza in Tiverton Four Corners, is more than just a children’s’ clothing shop. Since it opened in 1985, Little Purls has been a go-to for Tiverton families. It’s a friendly face, a local favorite and a happy memory. 

Twenty-six years ago, Sakonnet Purls occupied the bottom floor of the current Little Purls space and an art gallery occupied the bottom floor. Once the art gallery closed its doors, the owner of Sakonnet Purls suggested to one of her knitting class instructors, Sue Hutson, that she should open a children’s clothing store. Hutson bought the space and Little Purls was born.

“Many kids who shopped here as children are becoming parents and their parents are loving being grandparents,” said Hutson, who is expecting her first grandchild any day. 

In 1987, Sakonnet Purls moved down the street, leaving the bottom level empty. Hutson took advantage of that opportunity to expand her shop and sell clothes for older kids. She also took on a business partner, Lora MacFall.

MacFall echoes her partner’s sentiments about the store.

“Watching the children who shopped there with their parents grow is incredible,” she said. “Some have even come back and worked for us.”

Toys and books adorn every wall of the shop and child-size tables and chairs create a welcoming environment for any family. Familiar favorites, such as “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, and modern classics can be found on every table. 

“They become like family because we’re a boutique store," MacFail added. "The environment lends itself to that.”

The hardwood floors, pint-sized dressing rooms and tiny sitting areas are just some of the only things that make Little Purls comfortable and homey. 

Customers come in and out of the store on a busy Sunday afternoon looking for the perfect gift. Some take their time browsing, others know exactly what they are looking for and some come just to visit with Hutson. 

“Those two teenagers who were here, they live close by and ride their bikes to the store just to visit with me,” Hutson said about two customers in the store recently. “It’s a very welcoming environment.”

While Hutson prides herself on her unique inventory, she finds her gems at merchandise markets in Dedham, MA and travels to new York to find other pieces. She buys books and toys from traveling vendors.

She also finds accessories from local vendors, including Cutey Curls and Lillie’s Ribbons, located in Little Compton and Lakeville, MA, respectively. Hutson sells a children’s nature video series called “Gus Outdoors,” which is filmed in Little Compton. The family who produces the videos live in Portsmouth.

The Four Corners area is known for its unique restaurants and shops. Little Purls fits right in with its neighbors.

“We fit because we’re a specialty store and we offer a service and we have things you aren’t going to find at malls and discount stores,” Hutson said. “That is the flavor of Tiverton Four Corners. You’ll find something unique and unusual.”

“Hopefully we have brought a friendly smile, some fun and of course some great looks as well as basics to the area,” added MacFall.

Hutson enjoys the creativity most of all. She loves picking the clothes and arranging it on the walls. Hutson alsocreates all of the store’s displays. 

“I’ve learned that I’m willing to work hard,” she said, reflecting on her tenure in business. “I’ve learned how to get along with the customers and listen to the things they’re looking for and like to shop for.”

Prior to owning Little Purls, Hutson taught at Westport Middle School and in Warwick before that.

Little Purls sells children’s clothing from newborn to size 16 for girls and newborn to size 7 for boys. It is located at 3952 Main Road in Tiverton Four Corners. It is open everyday in July and August and Tuesday through Sunday from September to June. From Tuesday through Saturday the hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday the hours are 12 to 5 p.m.