SUGAR HILL — Piggy Jo’s has traded its longtime Buford storefront for a new home in downtown Sugar Hill, bringing its boutique children’s clothing, toys and gifts to one of Gwinnett County’s fastest-growing family destinations.

The locally owned business relocated after its lease in Buford came to an end, a decision owner Mandy Volpe said was driven not by business, but by opportunity.

Although the boutique enjoyed success in Buford, Volpe said the family chose not to renew its lease after prayerful consideration, instead relocating to a community that better reflects the business’s family-first mission.

“We did great in Buford and loved serving families there,” Volpe said. “We built relationships with so many wonderful customers who have truly become part of the Piggy Jo’s family.”

Piggy Jo’s opened in 2021 across from Buford High School, offering boutique brands including The Beaufort Bonnet Company, Jellycat, Needoh and Rylee + Cru. Over the years, Volpe said the store has become more than a retail shop, celebrating milestones alongside the families it serves.

“It is a special privilege to be able to delight in the challenges and milestones our customer families face as they build their families and create special memories,” she said. “We’ve enjoyed being part of families as they welcomed their first baby and celebrated milestones like a first Christmas or picking out a first-day-of-school outfit.”

As residents of Sugar Hill, the Volpes were already spending much of their free time downtown. Between restaurants, The Bowl, Eagle Theatre, the splash pad, children’s performances and community events, Volpe said the city naturally draws families together.

“When it was time to renew our lease, we asked ourselves what made the most sense for our business and our own family,” she said.

“Our hope is to continue serving the families who supported us in Buford while welcoming many new families into the Piggy Jo’s family here in Sugar Hill.”

Volpe said Sugar Hill’s concentration of family-friendly amenities made the move an easy decision.

“Everything is within walking distance. Families are already here enjoying dinner, concerts, movies, the splash pad and community events,” she said. “Because Piggy Jo’s is all about families, it felt like the perfect place to continue our story.”

The boutique has quickly become part of its new community. Its grand opening drew longtime customers, city leaders and families discovering the store for the first time, and Piggy Jo’s will continue building those connections through twice-monthly story times beginning Aug. 11 and Aug. 25.

Family has also shaped the business from the very beginning.

The store’s name and logo originated from a drawing created by the Volpes’ then-5-year-old child, whose hand-drawn pig eventually became the boutique’s logo.

That family involvement remains evident today. During the grand opening, each of the couple’s three children helped differently, from checking out customers and teaching pig origami to twisting balloons and leading a sensory activity during the ribbon-cutting celebration.

“Their ability to jump in and create meaningful experiences really makes me a proud mom,” Volpe said.

Her husband, Conner, also helped bring the boutique’s vision to life by building many of its custom features, including dressing rooms designed to resemble a life-sized dollhouse.

“Piggy Jo’s is a family affair, and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Volpe said. “We are family focused, and we love fostering wonder.”

Piggy Jo’s is located at 5019 W. Broad St., Suite M113, in downtown Sugar Hill. The boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with additional hours planned during many downtown community events.