When Ben Moran named his new CBD and gift shop Cedar Chest Trading Company, he wanted to offer the feeling of opening a treasure box when customers shop.
His family’s cedar chest had been filled with tapestries and collections of vinyl records including American Beauty, the 1970’s album by the Grateful Dead that was listed by Rolling Stone in the 1980s as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Entering the boutique, rows of tie-dyed tees and soft-washed tees catch the eye while unique handbags and hats fill lists for gift-giving and the shopper’s own indulgences.
Cedar Chest Trading Co. invites local artists to contact them about offering their work in the store.
They will be carrying Seagrove potter Tom Gray’s work and are offering crafted candles by Mary Hassinger.
The row of tapestries hanging in the back of the store are full-window-sized and come in a variety of designs.
Ben is the only local distributor for Lovewell Farm’s hemp products and chose them because he trusted the farmer whom he has known for 25 years.
“Knowing your farmer is the only way to ensure a quality product in this new industry,” Ben said.
Full Certificates of Analysis are available for Cedar Chest Trading Company’s hemp products.
“Knowing it’s a natural, healthy alternative and helps get people off opioids are why we’re in the business,” said Michael Greco who works with Lovewell Farms.
Cedar Chest Trading Co. offers locally sourced hemp flower and offers kratom and vaping products. They do not offer any tobacco products.
“I use Lovewell’s salve,” said Ben’s mother, Fran, who uses it on her hands. “And I don’t have night pain with my osteoarthritis.”
“We are looking for the right salesperson for our golfer’s package,” Ben said about the Lovewell Farms hemp products.
Cedar Chest Trading Company is a family business. Fran is often in the store stocking shelves and is ready to assist customers.
“I’m from High Point and came back two years ago when my brother had a baby,” Ben said. “I wanted to be close and be there to pick up from daycare.”
Ben’s brother, Asa, helps with the technical aspects including the website, and his wife, Michelle, has been supportive of her husband spending his free time helping launch the new business. While her brother, Brian Smith, was instrumental in setting up the displays and furniture.
“It feels like being back home,” Ben said.
The family welcomes customers Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. located at 190 Commerce Avenue in Southern Pines and can be reached at (910) 725-2122.
Please click here for their website. To visit their Facebook page, please click here.
Feature photo: Ben Moran of Cedar Chest Trading Co. on March 3 during his grand opening week.
~Article, photos, and video by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Stephanie M. Sellers.
