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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - September 25, 2007)
Shop ‘til you Drop in downtown Oroville. The clothing, accessory and shoe business is booming. There is something for everyone: men, women, children, babies, expectant mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers and teenagers. Shopping in downtown Oroville has proved to be an adventure. The enthusiasm of these new-generation retailers truly is what they claim it: retail therapy.
It was the music being played on the sidewalk outside of The Red Fly that encouraged me to cross the street from where the Farmer’s Market was being held. But it was the friendliness of everyone out front of the store, that made me want to stay. I met up with Raine Deigh, the proprietor, who also owns Ruby’s Boutique. She was chatty and told me it was her G’ma Raine and Mother, Lorie, who encouraged her to do what she has always loved. As a child, Raine loved to “dress up.” She followed her dream, with her family’s encouragement, and is now the proud owner of not one, but two, ladies dress shops, right there on Montgomery Street. Her dream come true takes up 7 days a week and more than 12 hours a day. Since success begets success, friends of her age have joined in...Twelve more young-retailer businesses have reached for the pie in the sky and have joined in the fun. If you love what you do, and do what you love, it is play. At her store, and others, they get to play dress-up as often as they want with one another, at shows, and with customers like me (a child at heart).
Because I am a clothes horse, I am crazy about the idea of this younger group of entrepreneurs showing me their wares, and dressing me in what they refer to as the “most-modern styles.” But, being like, you know... that “older” age group, I feared the new fashions may not be suitable. “Not to worry,” my new friends Kristen Clay and Gracie Budea, said: “We can play dress-up and you will fall in love with these modern styles.” Then they assured me, “If you want more, we will point you in the direction of other clothing stores for women.” (I learned there are 12 new merchants in downtown Oroville and more are on their way.)
Yes, I shopped ‘til I dropped...Red Fly set me up with casual clothing for me and for my grown son. Then it was off to Ruby’s Boutique where I discovered a lovely skirt and tank top. I ran back across the street and met up with Kim Midkiff, owner of Special Studio Boutique, where I was promised that “new woman” makeover, at a later date. Then they shipped me off to What to Wear on the corner of Bird and Meyers. ”I was excited to find the price was right on a fashionable pair of boots and several other outfits to match: It felt like a day in the city, without the hustle, bustle or traffic.
These merchants are young “go-getters.” Some are dedicating seven days a week to satisfy buyers, shoppers and lookers. Their goal is to utilize the streets and sidewalks for the necessities and whimsical gift items anyone would ever want. It’s awesome!
Don’t forget Allure Boutique and Beauty Shop on Meyers Street. This little shop may be off the beaten track but is definitely up-beat, with great merchandise and competitive prices. Although they are not located downtown, they do belong to the Downtown Business Association, and share in the fun. The beauty shop takes walk-in customers and isn’t not intimidated by newcomers. Try them...you’ll like them. I did. I do. I will go back again.
If you haven’t taken the time to meet the new-generation entrepreneur’s, in Oroville, you are surely missing the boat. There is something for everyone. Unlike big department stores and discount houses, these individuals are doing it themselves. They love what they do, and are doing what they love. It is apparent, by their choice in styles, brand names, window displays, and friendly greetings from clerks and customers alike, that they mean to stay in business. And I predict they will succeed.
By the way, October is birthday time in downtown. Watch for announcements, celebrations and special sales. Red Fly will turn four years young...What to Wear will be a year young. And there are others….lots of others who will have birthdays before the end of the year.
Hey! Shop downtown Oroville...it is RETAIL THERAPY!
I’m still the Newcomer in town, looking around and trying to get acquainted. It has been fun and exciting. There are so many more things to see and to do, more than I could ever have imagined. If you keep reading, I’ll keep writing and visiting more stores all over Oroville. If you like what you read...please let me know,
della@diggernews.com.
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