The Boutique at Caroline Street is in its third year of business in downtown Fredericksburg, and the high-end resale shop is celebrating a loyal following.
Owner Detra Hagerman was cleaning out her closet several years ago when she had an epiphany moment. “Detra thought there had to be a market for sharing your things, getting a little in return and maybe finding something else,” said store manager Tracey Lowman. That thought spawned the idea for the shop.
The boutique purchases gently worn and new items with tags by appointment only. “We like to follow some of the trends and we like well made clothes that are in excellent condition,” Lowman said. There is always a wait list of customers wanting an appointment.
Interior of The Boutique at Caroline Street.
“What sets us apart is that we buy outright, we don’t consign,” Lowman said. “Everything we have in the shop we own; it’s a very clean deal.” The customer receives a check the day of their appointment, or they may choose a store gift card for 20 percent more value.
“What also sets us apart is we believe that even older clothes have very good quality,” Lowman said. “Older clothes are many times actually better quality than what you can buy in the stores now. We take it piece-by-piece, based on what we think we can resell to our clientele.” That’s why you can often find vintage pieces in the shop, and items you won’t see elsewhere.
During the winter months, for example, clothing made in Hong Kong in the 70s and 80s with metallic and lamé was very popular. The boutique hit the trend because they accept older clothing and were able to stock these pieces.
The Boutique at Caroline Street.
Purchases for the store’s inventory are typically made from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Clothing must be cleaned and on hangers. There can be no pet hair, no odor and no smoke. “Any sign of these effects the clothes already in the store,” Lowman said. “We want you to feel that what you buy here is a brand new item of clothing or accessory.”
Lowman and Teresa Frazier work with two part-time staff members to maintain an inventory by month of each item. “We typically have a sale running at 25 percent off most items and 10 percent off designer items.” The shop also offers layaway.
The pink Coach shoes I purchased at The Boutique at Caroline Street. – Susan Larson
The boutique features designer names, including Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Coach. “You don’t see a lot of that here in the Fredericksburg area,” Lowman said. She said the Vuitton’s don’t stay long in the store.
The Boutique at Caroline Street is located at 726 Caroline St. They are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can view inventory and register for special discount emails on the store’s Facebook page.
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