The owner of the new Bailee 21 Consignment Boutique at 16 S. Main Street in Smyrna has goals of running a successful business while also giving back to the community.
Lisa Ashe’s boutique specializes in brand name clothing for women and children, handbags, shoes, and jewelry – all on consignment.
“I wanted women to have a place to shop in Smyrna at a discount and get things that are very nice – high quality items,” said Ashe.
However, items that don’t sell will be donated to the local school district clothing closet, domestic violence shelters, and shelters for women and children.
“This is an avenue to give back to the community in so many ways which is important to us as a family,” said Ashe.
She rarely prices an item for more than 25 percent of its original value. So, for example, a dress that sold new for $100 will be priced at about $25 at Bailee 21. Characteristics that influence an item’s price include the brand name, the style, the fabric, the demand, the size, seasonality, amount of the item already in stock, and the age of the item.
The consignor receives 40 percent of the sales price. Consignments are by appointment only.
“A lot of women have items that they’ve bought for a special occasion like a wedding. You wear it once and then it sits in the closet and you never wear it again,” said Ashe. “This boutique helps the person selling the item on consignment, and helps the person who needs to buy a special dress because they can get it at a great price.”
Ashe stressed that for items to be considered for consignment, they must be in “like new” condition.
“I am picky with what I take,” she said with a smile. “I love it when someone comes in and says, ‘Oh, gosh. Where’d you get this? I love it.’ I want people to have a good time while they’re shopping here.”
Why did Ashe think downtown Smyrna would be a good location for the boutique?
“It’s a corner location, right across from Sayers, and everybody in Delaware knows Sayers Jewelers,” she said.
Ashe held the grand opening of her store on Saturday, Nov. 14 with family, friends, and fellow downtown business owners.
“We’re proud to be part of this community,” said Ashe at the grand opening ceremony. “Thanks to everyone who made this possible.”
And, in keeping with her goal of giving back to the community, Ashe presented donations to the Smyrna School District homeless student program and to the Smyrna-Clayton Boys & Girls Club.
Bailee 21 is open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The phone number is (302) 335-8640.
