Swank Coffee Shoppe and Handmade Market of Downtown Southern Pines recently moved to its new and larger location at 232 NW Broad St., across from the train station and next to Mary Contrary and the Sunrise Movie Theatre.

"We simply outgrew our old space," says Jessica Harrelson, who with co-owner Petra Keith opened Swank nearly two years ago in the Belvedere Courtyard on Pennsylvania Avenue. "What started as a 375-square-foot space could no longer contain the increasing demands for Swank's goods and services."

In a time of renewed interest in building community and supporting small business, Harrelson and Keith, also known as "The Swank Girls," said they are dedicated to all things local. They helped organize and promote last summer's "Rock the Plaza" in Belvedere Plaza and participate in community events such as First Eve, Reindeer Run, Springfest, and Autumnfest.

Their coffee is roasted in Aberdeen and delivered fresh, and they offer baked goods from Pinehurst baker Rae Anne Kinney, of Pine Scones. Additionally, Harrelson and Keith make and sell handmade arts and crafts by local artists.

"The Handmade Movement has found a home in Moore County at Swank," Keith says."The movement has gained popularity with the awareness that we need to support the 'little man' over big corporations, and locally made items over mass-produced goods from outside of the U.S."

Swank's offerings include a wide range of items individually crafted with care and artistic vision, such as modern art, jewelry, stained glass, apparel, paper goods, children's items and much more, a news release said.

"When you shop Swank, you can be assured that you are purchasing a unique, thoughtful gift," Harrelson says. "The shop's ever-changing collection of goods draws in 'regulars' every day of the week, and our new location offers space for demonstrations, classes, meetings and private parties."

Swank Coffee Shoppe and Handmade Market of Downtown Southern Pines is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Harrelson and Keith invite everyone to Swank's official grand reopening today (Friday) from 5-8 p.m., with live music, artist "meet and greets," and drawings for handmade prizes. Anyone needing more information can call 692-8068.