Mother, Daughter Duo Takes on Boutique Franchise

Sara McCarthy, March 10^th 2011.

Walking into Mainstream Boutique in Woodbury Minnesota is like walking into a fun, upbeat atmosphere filled with unique clothes and accessories. You are greeted with a warm smile, a friendly, “What brings you in today?” and you instantly as comfortable as you are when you shop through your best friends closet. Who is responsible for this one of a kind experience? A mother, daughter duo; Debby Terlizzi and Allison Terlizzi.

“Were doing this,” they say simultaneously as they speak about their decision to open the store.  “The neighbors were playing devil’s advocate,” they would ask; what are you going to do for advertising, it’s a large commitment can you devote your time and energy, and it’s a big investment what if sales fall? Backing up each question with a logical response they realized that they already made there decision, “were doing this.”

Debby holds an extensive background in the retail industry including three years at Mainstream Boutique in Apple Valley Minnesota, where the corporate offices are located. Allison recently graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Marketing. The grand opening of the store was July 22^nd 2010.

Debby, 52 and Allison, 23 bring in a large market of consumers. Both are involved in buying the product for the store, they try to bring in clothing for a variety of ages.  With their age difference it comes naturally. “We want people to be noticed,” says Allison, “the products we sell are exclusive to our store, and you won’t find them anywhere else.”

(Allison pictured to the far left and Debby pictured far right.)

To stay on top of trends the duo travels to trade shows around the United States in search of clothing and accessories that stands true to their store concept. WWIN, Women’s Wear in Nevada, and MAGIC, to name a few.

A day in the life of a boutique owner, “Mondays we work together paying bills, making deposits, and submitting payroll,” says Debbie. Other activities they perform throughout the week to keep the store up and running is checking invoices on packages to make sure there orders are correct, ordering new product, marking down product, sending out emails, facebook updates, and making sure the store is spotless.

Another concept the boutique is involved with is events, events, events! They participate in group events for bachelorette parties, girl’s night out parties, and donations for a cause. They have already been involved with a fundraiser for Breast Cancer, Prolife Campaign, Golden Girls, Pink Swing, as well as two fashion shows.

The store will be launching new product assortments this summer including; shoes, soap gift sets, and handbags. When asked: what are your goals for the boutique, “Make relationships and make money!”

Mainstream Boutique is located at 755 Bielenberg Drive in the Tamarack Hills retail center. For more information go to www.mainstreamboutique.com or call (651)739-8111.

Terlizzi, Allison and Debby. Personal Interview by Sara McCarthy, February 16^th, 2011.