English Ivy

“Regina just has a special gift for putting together textures and shapes to bring out a room,” longtime customer Diana Salter said. “I know that’s the reason people come back to English Ivy.”

English Ivy home Home Décor and Gifts has been a delightful retreat for customers in Lee Branch since 2003. The store’s welcoming atmosphere complete with soft piano music and aromatic candles invites you to stop in and stay a while.

“Customers say there are times they just need to walk around in here and enjoy browsing,” said owner Regina Eisner. “It’s good to know we provide such an inviting place to shop.”

With a variety of traditional items for the home, English Ivy appeals to grandmothers, mothers and daughters. “We have generations of shoppers,” said Eisner. “We offer the things you want to give as a meaningful gift along with the treasured keepsakes you buy as a special gift for yourself.”

“Beyond items for my own home, I go to English Ivy for gifts for family, weddings, so many things,” said Salter, a Greystone resident. “I simply describe to Regina what I’m needing, and she does the rest. She listens and picks up on the look you’re going for.”

“I think the store excels in combining traditional looks with trendy touches,” said Salter. “Regina has a flair and a knack for knowing what works well together.”

By carrying well-known lines such as Arthur Court Designs, Lady Primrose, Crabtree and Evelyn, Beatriz Ball, Trapp and Tyler candles and Bangles from Heaven bracelets, they have something to please even the most savvy of shoppers. “I’m particular about the items I carry,” said Eisner. “In the time I’ve been in business, I know what customers looking for traditional-style of décor want in a product and an upmost concern is quality.”

For instance, Eisner doesn’t just carry any greeting cards. “I was not looking to carry cards in the beginning,” she said. “I’m not a fan of the spinning racks because that look is not really what this store is about. Customers, though, often asked for cards to go with their gift purchases so I started offering them. I don’t just buy a pre-packaged assortment. I look through every card style and the message inside. It must fit what I need in the store. I’m just particular that way.”

In 2008 Eisner and her husband, Larry, opened a second English Ivy in Pelham Town Center. “That area has seen a lot of growth, and we wanted to be a part of that,” she said. “The Pelham store is similar to the Lee Branch store except we also have a baby gift section there.”

Although there have been many changes in the businesses in the Village at Lee Branch, English Ivy has continued to offer the specialty items its customers desire. “I get to know customers and the look that holds appeal,” she said. “My husband and I work to offer the things that will fit in a variety of price ranges so our clients have no doubt they’ll find that special something here and not have to travel any further to get it.”

Among the newest items Eisner has started carrying is jewelry from The Bell Collection. The sterling silver bell pendants are specialized for moms, grandmothers, daughters and more. They are a special collectable keepsake like many of the other jewelry items English Ivy carries.

Magnolia House products are always a popular item in our area. The Alabama and Auburn decorative serving items and other collectables are sure to appeal to a fans.

Christmas is an exciting time at the store. “Our customers know we will have the ornaments and gifts they want for just the right look they’re after,” Eisner said. “We put up several trees and always host an open house. It’s a fun time to shop for everyone on your list and for you too.”

If you’ve never stopped by English Ivy, Eisner invites you to come in and see what makes her store unique. Online shopping is available as well at www.englishivygifts.com. A video tour of the store is on the website to give you a feel of the ambiance of the shop.