When Jamie and Jason Cook made the decision to move their Internet-based business out of their home, they chose the Landing as the best location to fabricate and sell their handmade fashion creations.
Lilies Boutique opened in October.
The Cooks manufacture and monogram their bags and other personal accessories in the back of their workspace and have a retail showroom in the front of the store near Nine West Outlet.
“We had been online for years, but having a retail store was new for us. It’s fun to meet the customers and see the smile on their face when they pick up their merchandise. You don’t get to see that reaction with an Internet sale,” said Jason Cook.
Being located at the Landing near two convention hotels, the Hyatt and the Omni, has proved to be an asset.
“We get a lot of business from groups that stay at the hotels. One person will come in and buy a hair bow and then they send us customers,” said Jamie Cook.
Having the embroidery and monogramming facility in the store also is an advantage, she said. Customers can place an order for monogramming, shop or have lunch and then pick up their finished item — usually within an hour.
Lilies Boutique is not exempt from the economic factors that affect all businesses. Costs of overhead, raw materials and shipping continue to rise, but selling products that are individualized has allowed the business to grow.
“Fortunately for us, personalization is priceless,” said Jamie Cook.
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