The Cotton Gin

jenna Williamson

2023-09

I have always loved this shop. It's been a go to for our family for years, but sadly service isn't what it used to be. We were there Thursday morning and tried again Friday morning (just to see if the lady was having an off day) and both times the woman working treated us like an inconvenience. We waited in line to ask to see a ring from the case and were told they were too busy to help us (even though there was a girl at the register working the line). The blonde lady that said she was too busy wasn't helping anyone. We will no longer be going here. So sad.

Riverfront Farm

2023-09

The elderly blonde cashier woman was grumpy and clearly not happy to be working. She was also aggravated we brought our kids. She really soured our experience. However, the lady at the wine tasting counter in the lower level was very kind and actually smiled and talked to us. She was kind to our children.

Jennie Baker

2023-08

The store, like so many others in the area, carry the same things. Like so many other stores in the area, I also feel the store was hard to navigate through because there was so much in it. I also am a woman of bigger size, and really didn't find anything there that would fit or look good on me.

Joseph David

2023-05

The staff has gone downhill over the last couple of years. I took my daughter in there yesterday, and the staff was literally glaring at us like we were going to steal something. When we checked out at the register, the staff was not friendly and as we were leaving I heard the male staff say to the older female staff member "did you get the cash from that guy?"referring to me. This is extremely odd for the area, because it's a small town vibe and everyone knows you either by face or by name if you live there or visit regularly. We had the exact opposite experience at literally every other store in Corolla, with staff being very courteous and helpful. I've never felt so disrespected and uncomfortable in a store before, and I definitely don't want to spend my hard earned money in a place that treats me (and my child) like that.

Morgaine Godwin

2023-05

This was our second time visiting this shop. The first time was great but this last visit was completely the opposite. We had a group go inside and the ladies at the front were so incredibly rude. It was pouring down with rain and cold outside and the lady was wanting us to go and stand outside after we had spent a good amount of money inside. The lady followed my friend around inside after one of the wooden signs that had been precariously placed the shelf by someone else fell down right beside her and the lady was almost accusatory to my friend for the sign falling. We will never be going back and I will highly encourage anyone I know to not shop there. No one is perfect but there is a way to treat people and that was an awful experience.

Hunting Draco

2022-05

My family were followed from floor to floor by a tall, socially awkward woman who made us feel very unwelcome. Shop is filled with a large variety of overpriced, low quality items predominantly made in India and marketed at naive tourists. I'm a local and honestly don't understand how they're still in business after reading their recent reviews. We probably won't shop there again, maybe white couples have a better experience than us.

Donna MarieP

2023-10

Neat little store but very over priced.

Melissa

2023-05

I went this evening after a wonderful dinner and the lady working the register was extremely rude! I wanted to see a Pandora ring and she told me “hmmm sorry we are about to close”. It was an hour and a half before closure and the store was filled so I kindly replied that and she replied with “well those rings are expensive….”! I was completely appalled as this was an outright judgey comment and she has no idea what I can and cannot afford. Will not be supporting this location and will make sure to let other friends who vacation here know about my experience.

Michelle Cousins

2022-05

My family and I were visiting Corolla and decided to take a bit of a shopping trip. When we entered, we were not greeted, nor was our greeting reciprocated. The brunette at the register was EXTREMELY rude. I watched her snap at several customers at the register about “waiting until the green light comes on” or something along those lines. She snapped at me when I had a bottle of wine with my purchases, stating that wine had to be purchased at the other register. I handed the blonde woman some cash with my wine. After I paid cash I asked the rude brunette if she wanted some ones or fives if she was running low. She snapped that she’s very low but she didn’t have time for me because there was a line. My 20 mo granddaughter accidentally knocked a shell turtle and a foot broke off, my daughter, being an honest, Christian woman, brought it to the register, and the RUDE lady charged her for it. I know from having a retail store, that there’s 1) a very high mark up on items 2) breakage is expected and counted as a loss 3)customers are your bread and butter...even in a seasonal area. You can be assured that neither I nor my family will be returning to The Cotton Gin and we will recommend that all our friends not patronize the establishment as well. By the way, I have a large family and my adult children are marrying and having children of their own. I also either highly recommend places or feverishly discourage patronage of a place.

Coleen Spalding

2022-05

Staff was very rude! Not once, not twice but, my entire experience was met with rudeness. From the very moment I said good morning tothe lady at the Pandora counter she treated me as if I was interrupting her day. Others customers in the store also noticed and made comments about how ill-prepared she was to start the business day and how rude she was treating everyone. Overall a very bad experience at this Cotton Gin location.

Christina Georgiades

2021-05

Nice store, annoying staff. Couldn't believe we were followed around by a blonde woman the entire time. Really? I would have dropped a lot of money since I haven't shopped since March! But since a Karen followed my entire family around the store, I ended up spending my money elsewhere. My advise: Invest in security cameras it is 2020 after all.

Theresa Ashman

2022-05

We were down in Corolla and visited the cotton gin. I purchased a brand name item. Only to find out when I got home it’s fake. I can’t use the warranty the brand offers and can not contact anyone at this location to get the corrected. The email on the website comes back undeliverable and no one answers the phone. 3 months now and no way to contact. A 9 hour drive is a bit far to just pop in and talk to someone. Do not purchase pandora from this place!*** I did finally contact a young sounding lady and , got- what ? I don’t understand what you want me to do about it ! I WILL NOT STEP FOOT IN THIS LOCATION AGAIN !

X2 Friends

2021-05

I was on vacation for 1 week in Corolla. We shopped at this store and bought many items. I fell in love with a painting at this store but did not buy right away because I wanted to make sure my husband liked it. We totally forgot to go back to the store so I called when I returned home to see if they would possibly ship it. The lady that answered the phone was incredibly rude and told me Verbatim, “ok, I’m going to stop you right there! We are closed and I am counting the register right now! I only answered the phone because I wanted to make sure it was not the corporate office!” I was completely shocked and am now so glad I did not spend the money on this painting even though I loved it! They lost out on an great purchase and I am sad that people have to be this rude!!!!!!

Britni Belle

2022-05

Had cool items but not a single staff said hello or talked to us. One when you first enter was on her phone, we said hello, no response. Didn't purchase anything although I wanted to vecause of the rude staff. Unfortunate really, but hey, ill take my money elsewhere.

Mary Ellen Brennan

2023-05

Very nice store. Great selection of gifts & souvenirs. They also have clothing. Don't miss it

Caitlyn Miller

2020-05

I would have loved to give this place 5 stars, but the staff was so unfriendly every time me or my family went in there. The shop definitely has something for everyone- just wish their employees could look like they somewhat were happy to be there and not make you feel like a bother.

DeviantInc

2023-05

Went here with my grandmother that is in a wheelchair. There is a big sign that says "Ramp to Cotton Gin" with my bad back and legs I pushed her up this ramp made a few turns going up to be hit with a locked door and I'm not about to pull her and her chair up 20 steps. Needless to say guess we will not be spending any money here. If they are gonna have handicap door they need to unlock it or take the sign down on the ramp. We will not be back!!

Carol Piper

2020-05

A must stop. Just read that the main store in javaursburg burned in October. Hope they rebuild. But you can still visit their other stores on the Outer Banks. Everything and anything. There wine from there winery is awesome too.

Brandon Hiatt

2021-05

First timer to OBX, and most of the gift shops have gimmicky gifts - and many of those shops are clones of each other. The Cotton Gin was refreshingly different. A massive selection of goods and gifts from a wide range of vendors. You can and will get lost in this gorgeous shop, and you won't want to be found. From Pandora to Vera Bradley to handmade decor, fashion, beachside goods - you name it! An eclectic collection awaits you.

Tamika Farmer

2022-05

Love it! Especially as they have Sanctuary vineyards on the 1st floor for quick wine tastings (for some reason no one wasn't there when we visited) Fyi: Busy place especially from 11am-2pm but lots of great items to see/purchase. Visit the Cottage Shop across the way within the shops at TimbuckII for beach items (better prices)

Hailey Janney

2021-05

The Cotton Gin had very nice items but prices were unreasonable and once you entered it smelled and was not very customer friendly. If your looking for a store in the Corolla area I don’t recommend the cotton gin at all...

Jauna Donahue

2019-05

Closes earlier than posted on Google or on the door hours. Arrive at 4:50 on a friday at thought we had time to stop and shop because the hours on the door (and Google) said they closed at 6. When we walked in, a gentleman was counting his drawer and we asked if they were open. He said, we close at 5, and was very short with us. Instead of staying and using the 10 mins we should have had left to shop, we left because that is common courtesy. Should have just went in because it was our only chance to go to this store

Robert Gross

2019-05

Great gift ideas, treasures & unique items. Staff at the Corolla store are friendly and extremely helpful. A store everyone should visit before leaving the Outerbanks.

Danny Welcher

2018-05

This diamond in the rough is filled with crazy fun finds. And they totally didn't mind that we battled with kids pirate swords during our wine tasting! Thanks to the lovely bunch that put up with us!

Monica Logan

2023-07

Lots of stuff. Decent price. But the Blonde lady at night was extremely rude.

Hurley Bogardus

2022-05

Always stop in when we vacation on the Outer Banks. We enjoy the variety of household gifts and beach memorabilia. Wine tasting in the lowest level of North Carolina wines and wine paraphernalia.

Jereme Wynkoop

2024-04

Plenty of neat stuff to look at.

Ryan Hoffman

2023-05

Awesome store with so many unique items and a big variety of different items. I would definitely recommend coming here.

Kristina Beatty

2020-05

A favorite store in the OBX! Great selection of goods and a really nice wine cellar with our favorite local wine, Sanctuary Vineyards. A must go to when in town!

Gregg Lantz

2016-05

This is my wife's must visit store on the Outer Banks. There is a little bit of everything from Vera Bradley bags to signs for the home, books and OBX Christmas Ornaments. If you get tired of following your wife you can go outside and sit on the porch. If you're really tired hit the basement and try their selection of regional wines.