Bunny Hare’s Boutique & Gift Shop is celebrating its 20th year in business in Newtown Square and has stood the test of time because it consistently offers quality merchandise and superior customer service. Regulars call it a hidden gem, and for good reason. Owner Anne Marie Hare loves that her shop is referred to in this way. “Bunny Hare’s is absolutely a destination shop that customers visit because someone told them about us,” she explained. “I like that we’re tucked away and not just a place people stop because they drove by on a busy road.”
By tucked away, we are talking about a little piece of Newtown Square that remains untouched from the barrage of new housing developments and big box shops — St. Albans Circle. A slice of hometown pride that is home to many diverse locally-owned businesses, charming historic buildings and nearby walkable neighborhoods.
Anne Marie may celebrate a milestone this year, but she recalled that the journey hasn’t always been easy. “Before I opened Bunny Hare’s, I earned a living cleaning houses, but I had always dreamed of owning my own gift shop.” Anne Marie explained that she was scared when she finally mustered up enough courage to take the risk. “I told my husband Kevin what I wanted to do, and with his moral support and a loan I was able to secure for $20,000, I opened my doors.”
Back then, the store was much different than it is today. “I didn’t have enough to fill the entire store — that $20,000 loan probably got me two displays full of merchandise, and then I paid for everything else on my credit card, so the first few years were, ‘Oh God, am I gonna make this? I’ll be in debt,’” she said.
Anne Marie not only made it through those first few years but also survived the birth of the online shopping boom and the devastation of the COVID-19 lockdown. Many of our friends and neighbors recall that Anne Marie’s shop stayed in business during the pandemic because she drastically reduced prices and left online orders in the trunk of her car for customers to 
pick up. “I’d go into the shop and lock the door behind me, put the customer’s names on the gift bags and put it in the trunk of my car,” she said. “They would drive up, grab what they wanted and leave. And that kind of kept me able to pay my rent.”
Thankfully, those days are long behind her. When you walk in today, you’ll see that Bunny Hare’s Boutique & Gift Shop is fully stocked, and Anne Marie and her helpful staff, “her girls,” are ready to help you pick the perfect gifts for family, friends, coworkers and clients. “I love coming into work… I have not had a day where I 
said I don’t want to go in to work,” Anne Marie said. “And I still love it like it’s the first day I walked in the door.” Another familiar face is Linda Hardy, who has worked at Bunny Hare’s for 18 years. “I love my job,” Linda said. “Every single day is an opportunity to meet new customers and to catch up with our regulars. I can honestly say that I have never once been bored.”
One step in the shop, and you’ll be greeted by Anne Marie, Linda, and her staff of friendly faces (including her 
husband Kevin) to help you find the perfect gift. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or have absolutely no idea, she and her girls can help. “I tell my customers that if they see something they want for themselves, start a wish list with us, then if someone asks what you want for a gift, send them our way!”
“Some popular picks and hot items right now are jewelry pieces by E Newton and Brosway,” Anne Marie said. “And if you’re looking for home decor, we have an entire room filled with the finest serving platters, scented candles, wall prints, door wreaths and more.” And during the holiday season, she 
offers an assortment of Gifts to Go, already perfectly bundled in a gift bag at discount prices. Shoppers can choose from a variety of bags stuffed with hats, gloves, mugs, skincare, candles, socks and purses.
Personal service like this doesn’t happen online or in big retail stores. What’s even better is that every item you purchase at Bunny Hare’s is gift-wrapped for you at no charge, and unlike many other retailers, customers do not pay a surcharge for using a credit card. It’s the perfect place to send your friends and loved ones who might need to step up their gift-giving game, if you know what we mean!
Bunny Hare’s Boutique & Gift Shop is located at 15 St. Albans Circle in Newtown Square. Their regular business hours are Tues.–Sat. 10am – 5pm, but follow them on Facebook and Instagram for special sales and extended special occasion hours, or call 610-325-3205.