The welcome is always warm for shoppers visiting Splurge in Fox Chapel Plaza.

Owner Kym Pelcher of Fox Chapel greets every customer with the same upbeat energy.

“I always try to be real positive and I have a sign that says ‘No Drama Please’ and we greet every customer. I never want anyone to feel like we haven’t greeted them,” she said. “I never want to put pressure on customers.”

A native New Yorker who grew up on Long Island, Pelcher brings her longtime passion for interior design and home furnishings to her specialty boutique in O’Hara.

“My dream was always to combine those two things — interior design and merchandising and buying,” she said.

Splurge is the evolving result of that dream. The original store, a tiny space across the street, quickly outgrew its footprint.

“The gift portion of the business (in the original space) blew up and took over the whole floor, so moving over, I realized there’s only one me. I opened Splurge Home across the street.”

Splurge Home is led by head interior designer Christina Ishida.

At Splurge, attentive service defines the experience. The eight-woman staff—affectionately known as the “Splurgettes”—balance fun and professionalism on the floor. Pelcher credits them for the store’s loyal following.

“I’m proud of our loyal customers. That tells me a lot — that we’re doing the right thing — we’re treating them right, love our product selection and love our staff,” she said. “I could not ask for a better staff.”

Manager Holly Root oversees operations when Pelcher travels on merchandise-buying trips. “She’s got the warmest and best personality for this,” Pelcher said.

Pelcher describes Splurge’s design aesthetic as transitional — neither traditional nor modern, but a soft middle ground with easy-to-live-with colors and interesting textures.

And the store’s name doesn’t imply extravagant spending. Prices generally range from $20 to $300.

“Don’t be afraid of the name. We have price points for everybody,” Pelcher said.

Splurge owner Kym Pelcher helps a customer on Dec. 2. (Joyce Hanz | TribLive)  

Despite rising tariffs and competition from online retailers, Pelcher focuses on creating a tactile, memorable shopping experience filled with thousands of whimsical, classic and contemporary items.

“We’re seeing tariffs every day. Small businesses work on a small margin and we don’t overcharge for things. Most of our vendors within the U.S. are still getting items from overseas. The pricing this year has been really tough,” she said.

Many customers linger to socialize, enjoy complimentary mini-chocolate chip cookies and chat with the staff. Shopper Reagan Smith summed up the atmosphere: “This is the store I visit when I want to treat myself or someone special. Splurge has the most beautiful and uniquely curated items. The staff is very friendly and there to help if needed. Otherwise, you can look through the store at your own leisure. It’s so enjoyable and I always leave in a great mood. This is a gem of a store and I love it.”

Pelcher’s career began as a buyer for upscale retailer Fortunoff while attending Hunter College in Manhattan. She later launched her own interior design business in New York, balancing clients and family life for a decade.

Naming her Fox Chapel business took thoughtful consideration.

“I was tossing around a bunch of ideas. I wanted people to feel like they can come to a place to really feel good about themselves and enjoy themselves,” she said. “It’s really turned into exactly that.”

Customers often spend an hour or more browsing the expansive mix of home décor, children’s items, jewelry, accessories and gifts.

“It’s quite a social hub,” Pelcher said.

While male shoppers tend to appear most on Christmas Eve and the day before Mother’s Day, the store typically draws women of all ages.

Teens flock to the Enewton jewelry displays, and Swifties can find a Taylor Swift Cocktail Book and themed stemless wine glasses.

Other gift categories include dining and entertainment, hostess gifts, candles and home fragrance, barware, handbags, loungewear, clothing, bath and body, baby items, JellyCat, bridal, gourmet treats, self-care and seasonal goods.

A staff of eight, including manager Holly Root, maintains a friendly, efficient atmosphere. Pelcher’s dog Meadow occasionally visits, adding a touch of charm to the space.

Customers can create gift registries for any occasion, and purchases are wrapped with Splurge’s signature orange grosgrain ribbon.

“I wanted a real, signature look. I’m very proud to say that people constantly tell me they’re at a party and every bag or box is Splurge, white with orange and that’s our signature wrap,” Pelcher said.

Pelcher moved to Fox Chapel in 2006 with her husband, Chris Pelcher. Years later, she reflects with gratitude on seeing her vision come to life.

“I had a real good feeling about this. I was confident and I felt like I waited until I was really ready and had all the right pieces to make it work.”

The complimentary, signature gift wrapping at Splurge features orange grosgrain ribbons. (Joyce Hanz | TribLive)  

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