About Us

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New Horizons Downtown was established in 1998 and moved to its current location in 2000.  Originally started as a gift shop, the business has expanded over the years to include women's apparel and footwear.  In 2016 a second store was opened less than a mile from New Horizons Downtown.  New Horizons West has its focus on the outdoors offering provisions for work, travel and play.

Independently owned and operated, New Horizons has as its mission to provide quality goods and customer service to everyone who walks through its doors or visits us online.  We believe in respect for our environment, community, employees and customers.

The owner and founder, Catherine McLeod, grew up in the area and has enjoyed being involved in all aspects of running an independent local retail shop in Pittsboro.  She is the chief buyer and curator of all items in both shops and travels regularly to trade shows around the country to find unique items for the stores.  Catherine loves to travel and gets inspiration from the different places that she visits around the globe.

Mary has been working in small retail for 28 years and the last happy 8 years with the New Horizons family.  As Marketing Manager, Mary enjoys sharing the wonderful merchandise of the stores and the joys of shopping small with the local community and beyond.  In addition,  Mary is a technological whiz and keeps all of the megabytes happy at the store and online!

Liz loves cats and local businesses! She's worked in retail for over 15 years and is happy to have found a home with New Horizons. Liz's main role at New Horizons is inventory management at both stores and on the website but she enjoys all facets of working at small, independent businesses. Liz's hobbies include cooking, eating, failing at gardening, and knitting. 
 
Tammy has been with New Horizons for 13 years!  She loves the store and her great co-workers.  She also really enjoys the products that we carry...from the fabulous shoes to the fun gifts and great jewelry.  When she's not working she is taking care of 6 dogs, 5 cats and a husband.  Tammy is the doting grandma to 2 adorable grandkids.
 
Erin has been part of the New Horizons' family for 2 years. As someone who appreciates the unique items and personal touches small, locally owned businesses offer, she feels right at home here. Erin is a board and card game enthusiast and can often be found enjoying a game with family and friends.
 
Becky has been selling ladies clothing for 13 years and takes great delight in listening to customers' needs and helping them find exactly what they are shopping for.  She has 3 adult children, 2 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.  Becky loves baking, gardening and quilting.  In addition to working at New Horizons, she and her husband are on an exciting adventure to become small farmers!
 
Jay enjoys camping in the mountains as well as at the coast which is why he was drawn to working at New Horizons West. He loves the camping equipment and clothing brands and often wears and reviews them during his weekly Facebook Live videos every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11 am.  Jay, his wife, their three kids and their cat Bella all enjoy life in Pittsboro.
 
Chuck is an avid bicycle rider and racer who enjoys camping in the North Carolina mountains with his wife,  Jennifer, and their two dogs, Fozzie and Sid.  Chuck is a photography enthusiast and especially appreciates capturing remote NC waterfalls.