Opie & Eleanor’s is a treasure trove of decor, clothing and accessories, original artwork, and more gifts. The 1,500-square-foot shop at 3033 W. Maryland St. is tucked away from Evansville’s main thoroughfares but holds weight as one of the city’s most popular boutiques.
Opened in September 2019 by Gretchen Rutledge, Opie & Eleanor’s moniker comes from some of the Rutledges’ rejected baby names. “Opie” and “Eleanor” didn’t make the cut for a Rutledge child, but it was perfect for the business, the couple’s “fourth baby.”
The store’s success heavily rides on the items artfully filling the shelves and tables around the showroom. Each item, hand-selected by Rutledge, brings a new dimension of products while blending with her Southern-inspired brand.
“I work really, really hard to find things that other local shops don’t have,” she says. “Our tagline is ‘for gifting and gracious living,’ and I think that really does say everything. It’s the perfect place for people to come in and find a gift.”
Shopping with Rutledge is a complete experience. Many items can be personalized, and she offers free gift wrapping. The shop also takes orders for gift baskets from corporate donations to Christmas party prizes. This spring, Rutledge is rolling out a new and improved wedding registry.
Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, and Mondays during November and December only, Opie & Eleanor’s has a wide price range of products from $5 to $500.
“I do not care if someone walks in and buys one thing,” says Rutledge. “I want them to come in and feel welcome, I want them to feel invited, and I just want them to leave feeling better than when they came in.”
Shopping Spree ~ opieandeleanors.com