Expanding Style at Cara's Boutique

Every business would love to find a way to thrive in a down economy.  A lot of companies are lucky just to survive. But at on Detroit Road, the owners have discovered a way to do so much more.

Mary Climer and Paulette Lisy expanded their store to double its size at the end of May, to the delight of their regular customers. The larger space is also attracting plenty of new shoppers.

“We’ve had several people come in and welcome us to the neighborhood,” said employee Carrie Geske. “They’re quite surprised to discover we’ve already been here for a long time. We were just tucked into a smaller space.”

Climer and Lisy are currently on another buying trip for Cara’s, something they do eight times a year to keep the store updated and fresh.

“They go to Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago and other cities, to stay current on trends and new items,” Geske said.  “Our main brands are Pandora, Brighton and Vera Bradley, but as other brands are discovered we add them to our inventory.  It’s always good to add some variety and our customers enjoy the new items as well.”

Lisy and Climer both worked in the corporate world for Dillard’s Department Store when they decided to open their own place and fill it with exactly what they wanted to feature. The time was right when they found out Dillard’s wanted them to move to Pittsburgh, but neither of the women wanted to relocate.

The name for their boutique came about in an unusual way.

“Both Paulette and Mary have sons, and at this point in time Paulette was pregnant and was assured by her doctor she was having a girl.  The doctor turned out to be wrong, so the ladies decided to use the name Paulette had picked out for a daughter: Cara. Both of them always say that this store is their baby girl.”

So what makes Cara’s so successful in this tough economy? Geske attributes it to quality brands and their loyal customer base.

“Our customers are the best, and they come in regularly to check out what’s new," she said. With Vera Bradley being a ‘must-have’ brand and the popularity of Brighton and Pandora jewelry you can’t go wrong. Through trial and error we’ve obtained the most popular recognizable brands, and we have something in a variety of price points starting at $15. The most important thing is keeping our customers happy with quality clothing, products and service.”

Cara’s Boutique is located in the Promenade on Detroit Road.  For more information please call them at 440-899-0050 or check out their website, which lists many of the brands they carry in the store.