How a family-owned gift shop in south Charlotte has thrived for 46 years – and counting.
story and photos by Lexi Amedio
As soon as you enter this quaint, family-owned gift shop in south Charlotte, all of your senses are heightened. You smell the fragrant aroma of candles, hear the pleasant conversation among staff members who treat each other like family, and see an array of gifts in every color imaginable.
Martha Medlin has owned The Mole Hole since it opened in Charlotte in 1979.
“She was one of the first tenants to sign at Specialty Shops [of SouthPark],” said her daughter, Merritt Rea. Named after her grandfather, Raymond Meabon, Rea recently moved back to Charlotte from New York City, involving herself more in the day-to-day operations of the store alongside her mom.
“I grew up in the shop, and I love going to work every day. These people have known me my entire life,” Rea shares. “We’ve had the same customers for 46 years.”
Medlin’s father recruited her to own and manage the store when she was 27 years old. The store moved to Colony Place in 2004. A former teacher, Medlin has a natural business sense, devotion to her customers and a friendly demeanor — all qualities that are pillars of her success.
“I give her all the credit in the world because, oh my goodness, I don’t know how she’s [Martha Medlin] kept up with everything, but she has, and it’s amazing,” Rea says. Even 46 years later, her mom is still involved in “absolutely everything,” according to Rea.
The original Mole Hole was founded in Michigan in the 1970s by Jack Harris, who was inspired by the character Mr. Mole from the children’s book The Wind in the Willows. According to some reports, at one point there were more than 200 Mole Hole franchises in the U.S.
Through the years, the Mole Hole of Charlotte has maintained its own unique personality. After initially curating the store inventory via Mole Hole conventions, Medlin decided to do the buying herself. She wanted to set her store apart, and she had an idea of what the Charlotte market was looking for in a gift shop.
“My mom [Martha Medlin] has an insane knack for honing in on brands that are about to explode,” says Rea. Although The Mole Hole has kept its family-run, homegrown values for the last 46 years, it has also had to adapt to the changing needs of its customers. From Nest candles and Julie Vos jewelry to JellyCat plush toys and Printfresh pajamas, the selection is equally trendy and timeless; it’s all about balance.
Not only has the inventory changed over time, the shop’s business practices have shifted as well. The Mole Hole of Charlotte just recently got a POS system, but Medlin and her staff still use carbon-copy receipts. Medlin has mastered an incredible skill: Balancing the fast-paced nature of consumer trends with the comfort of consistency.
Store regulars know the family by name and often will stop by just to see Medlin or her dog Barney, an 8-year-old Maltipoo and beloved shop dog. Barney greets most guests when they walk in, if he isn’t in his typical spot staring out the front window. “Everyone loves the shop dog,” Rea says.
For hostess or birthday gifts, stationery to sweet treats, The Mole Hole of Charlotte is likely to have what you need for every party or holiday, in a charming atmosphere with a staff that truly cares. The store is the definition of wholesome values — Medlin even sends personalized Christmas gifts during the holidays to their most loyal customers.
“[Medlin] is such a fixture at the store — people want to see her,” explains Rea. “It’s a family community.”
