In downtown Cary, one quaint house manages to stand out among the others on charming Chatham Street. Radiating warmth and upscale comfort, Littles of Cary is the realization of a lifelong dream — and the starting point for new ones. “We love helping families put together outfits for special occasions,” says Christine Lucas about her boutique.
Her journey to opening Littles of Cary began long ago and is rooted in her childhood dream of someday owning her own children’s store by the sea. “Littles by the Sea has a nice ring to it,” Christine says with a laugh, but “this little blue house on Chatham Street fit the bill for what I was looking for.” Though her vision for the store has evolved, the essence remains the same.
A mother of four, Christine’s passion for dressing her children shines through every corner of her impeccably appointed boutique. With an 11-year-old daughter, a 10-year-old son, and a boy-girl set of 3-year-old twins, Christine finds joy in curating stylish outfits for her little ones — even for the most mundane moments at home.
Christine Lucas, right, and her aunt, Holly, have made Christine’s childhood dream of owning a children’s clothing store a reality in the form of Littles of Cary.
This is because, in Christine’s eyes, every day is an occasion to dress to impress. Yet, although her girlhood dream is now a reality in the form of Littles of Cary, Christine knows that “You can only dress them for so long until they start having opinions. My oldest are to that point and it’s so sad!”
At the heart of Littles of Cary is the family bond that’s woven into its (fine-quality) fabric. “My mom passed away almost 20 years ago,” Christine explains, “and she and I used to dream of having a store together.” Thanks to her other-half business partner, Donnie, and the mother figure she describes as her “sidekick” — her aunt, Holly — Christine has been able to achieve her dream. Known to Littles of Cary customers as “Aunt Holly,” Christine’s right-hand woman embodies the welcoming spirit that Christine wants everyone to feel when they walk through the door.
The boutique has quickly become a beloved fixture in the community, attracting customers who value quality over fast fashion. “Our average shopper prefers investing in well-made, long-lasting pieces rather than disposable items,” Christine explains. She takes a thoughtful approach to fashion and curates a selection of upscale baby and children’s clothing and shoes; wooden toys, which Christine especially loves and which any parent will come to appreciate; and unique gifts for baby showers, birthday parties, and no occasion whatsoever.
With a price point between $30 and $100, and with some of her dear friends working in the boutique, which ensures that the experience is genuine and offers exceptional customer service — after all, Littles of Cary is in a cute little “home” — Christine does all the ordering of the clothes, handpicking a selection of brands that cater to ages newborn through size 8–10. Each piece is handpicked from approximately 15 (and growing) brands that she has loved for years, and she describes herself as being “really into the European brands right now.”
Siblings Aubrey, 11, and Cameron Lucas, 10, model some of the fashionable clothing available for older children.
The boutique’s overall aesthetic is a blend of Southern charm and timeless elegance, with a priority on long-lasting pieces rather than fast fashion. Most of Christine’s brands are purposely selected to offer slow fashion that can grow with the child, as the sizes are often accommodating for years and not just a few months. In addition, considerable time and effort has been put into making sure that the brands carried will hold up well through the messes of babies and toddlers. Most of the items in the store can be passed down to siblings or even resold consignment thanks to their quality.
Enhancing the shopping experience are personal shopping services and baby registries. While online shopping is available, Christine emphasizes the joy of in-person visits: “We love meeting your babies and letting them play with the toys while you shop.”
Ultimately, Littles of Cary isn’t just a boutique — it’s a community hub. The boutique’s recent half-birthday celebration, LOCHELLA, was a resounding success, and there are more events planned. “Wait ’til you see what we do for our one-year party,” Christine says.
As Littles of Cary continues to thrive, Christine’s aspirations are boundless. Looking to the future, she says, “My goal is to duplicate this success,” hinting at plans for a new location. But until then, feedback from the community has affirmed that Littles of Cary was a long-overdue addition to the town.
With her passion, dedication, and supportive family and community by her side, Christine is not just building a business — she’s creating a legacy that honors her dream and helps families make their own. Littles of Cary is more than a store; it’s a celebration of childhood, family, and the joy of dressing little ones for all of life’s beautiful moments.
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