Buy the River: Mother's Day and more at Annie-Em's

Emilie Stephens, owner of Annie-Em's at Home, has achieved success with her fine gifts and home decor shop in downtown Cape Girardeau. Carrying on her mother's legacy, Emilie fine tunes the store with her intuitive insight to what her customers want, coupled with her keen sense of style.

The beautifully decorated interior has a warm feel, with the aroma of scented candles making the visit even more pleasant. I stopped by and chatted with Emilie about what's new and upcoming at Annie-Em's.

Sheila McKinley: It's been a while since I've been here. Tell me what's new!

Emilie Stephens: The biggest thing ... is we have added bridal registry. We just now did a photo shoot for that. I'm just now putting it out there that that is what we offer.

SM: Why did you add bridal?

Wedding gifts available at Annie-Em's at Home in Cape Girardeau. (submitted photo)

ES: We used to do bridal registry years ago. My mom did it, and I just didn't pick it back up. My best friend, Shannon Duggan, is a wedding photographer, and we share an office in the back of the shop. ... I was talking to people, and there are not a lot of places around here to register except for big-box stores, and I have access to those kind of items, so why not? I wanted to offer people that service. With my friend being a wedding photographer and me offering a registry, it just works out.

SM: I love the "Will you be my bridesmaid?" cards in your store. It gives a personal touch when asking someone to be part of your big day.

ES: Have you met Renee (Clements)? You need to meet her. She is the owner of the new bridal shop, Magnolias. She and Shannon (Duggan) work together. She refers brides here, and vice versa. She was so kind; she let us borrow wedding gowns for our photo shoot.

SM: What else is in store for Annie-Em's this year?

ES: Our baby gifts are flying out the door. I've never advertised this, but I had three people do a baby registry here this spring, which is kind of cool, so that might be something happening in the future. We're gearing up for Mother's Day, which is a big one for us.

Annie-Em's at Home in Cape Girardeau. (submitted photo)

SM: I remember you doing special gifts during Mother's Day last year. Are you doing that again?

ES: Yes, we are. For Valentine's Day, we offered little wooden boxes with fresh flowers, a candle and chocolates. We wrapped them up really pretty. We're going to do the same type of thing for Mother's Day. It will contain fresh flowers, a specialty item and we are going to offer a much bigger one with more goodies inside.

Annie-Em's Mother's Day baskets are ready to go and available to order now. Shannon Duggan's office is in the Annie-Em's store at 42 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau, and Magnolias Bridal Boutique is at 407 Broadway.