Where It All Began…

It all began innocently enough in 1985 when Mary Thurlow, The Nestling Duck's owner and founder graduated from college. After years upon years of hard work devoted to her family's restaurant, The Clambake, Mary felt that utilizing her degree in the arts could be extremely beneficial for an endeavor outside the food business. She sought to expand her zest and ambition and created a 10,000 square foot gift shop known today as “The Nestling Duck”. Mary originated this name with a little help from her mother; Mary raises mallards and they felt that the name of the gift shop appropriately fit together with her other passions. And what more does a duck do but nestle. Hence the name.

Mary's art background helped her envision the purchasing, designing, displaying and merchandising of her perfect gift shop…but in gift retail that is the fun part. On the other hand, Mary was a jack of all trades becoming the bookkeeper, manager, trainer, and whatever else needed to ensure the success of her business. As time passed, she realized she would need some help if this endeavor were to grow. Mary brought in Ruthie, her sister and crutch in order to share some of the responsibilities. Being blessed with 6 other sisters and a brother ensured Mary that she would have all the help she needed to make this dream a reality.

After years of hard work and true devotion, Mary's Nestling Duck is a huge success and people travel from all over to visit this exquisite gift shop. Now, Mary has aunts, nieces, sisters, and a well-established group of employees helping everyday to maintain the reality of Mary's dream.

Having found success, Mary's business approach is different from most business owners. She believes, wholeheartedly, that the key to success is to treat shoppers like guests…give them lots to choose from, keep the store appealing, clean and inviting at all times. Mary also thanks her customers personally by catering many open houses and is renowned for her annual “Cozy Christmas Tea By The Sea” which features fun, savings, treats, and sweets as a thank you for being a loyal customer.

The best thing about The Nestling Duck is that you can always find Mary floating around the store or in her office preparing for another great season. She also contributes her clear-headed business tactics to her life-long friendship of black labs. An avid member and donator to the local animal shelter, this is just one of the many generous attributes of Mary Thurlow. She is always helping local charities and giving back to the community on a level beyond the call of duty. So, if one ever wonders how The Nestling Duck has become such a warm, comfortable place as well as a great success, its simply because The Nestling Duck is not just another gift shop down the street. It is the culmination of the passion, devotion, and determination of a woman with an old fashion business concept who is seeing the realization of her dream.