In many smaller towns, businesses become part of a community's story, and one entrepreneurial family continues writing an inspiring chapter in Greenwood.
For 36 years before retiring, Teresa Dillard operated one of the largest Hallmark stores in the United States, right in Greenwood. Teresa’s Hallmark was a successful business where visitors and employees felt at home shopping for Hallmark classics and were served by a team that put shoppers’ needs first.
The spirit of community and business ownership inspired Teresa’s daughter, Sara Brianne Slaughter, to team up with her mother, Teresa, to open Brianne’s Boutique in 2011, bringing the same welcoming atmosphere of a gift and collectibles store to women’s clothing. Now, as the boutique marks its 15th anniversary this month, it's transforming and expanding into the former Hallmark store, introducing new brands, experiences and innovative spaces.
“Brianne's grand re-opening was a huge success,” states Sara. “We've seen many familiar faces and lots of new ones. The response has been overwhelmingly positive regarding our product mix, store layout and overall experience."
She adds that one of the key reasons for positive feedback is their customer-focused approach to design and customer satisfaction. The two-story shopping boutique features seven dressing rooms for shoppers to try on their selections before bringing them home.
Stocked with the latest in apparel, shoes, jewelry, handbags and accessories, the store offers trend-setting brands such as Charlie B, Judy Blue, Kendra Scott, Nora Fleming, Bogg Bag, Ambre Blends and Brighton. “Since the store’s opening, we've added brands like Kut denim, Vionic, Born shoes and Enewton,” she explains.
New This Fall
As the seasons change, Sara shares that she's enthused about new customer experiences, combined with some carryovers from the Hallmark store. “We're already planning our fall clothing collections and holiday wonderland. For example, in late September, we're launching a Liverpool Shop-N-Shop with 300 square feet solely dedicated to Liverpool denim, jackets and tops.”
And if customers are looking for a wardrobe update to stay current with the latest trends, Sara has a few tips. “Brown and plum are everywhere. You'll often see them paired with blue or black. Faux leather and suede will add texture to a perfectly styled fall outfit. Accessorizing with a belt and a colorful necklace is a must. Chunky, waterproof jewelry will be popular for fall.”
Entrepreneurship continues to drive the family to give Greenwood unique shopping experiences. Sara and her husband, Jacob, are now expanding their retail vision to create a men’s store in the former space Brianne’s Boutique called home. In fact, they went to market to purchase future merchandise for the men's store during the last two weekends in July, and the women's during the week of Aug 9.
Collier Outfitters is planned to open by Oct. 1.
Sara shares the couple’s concept: “We're creating a mix of everyday casual wear and easy styles for the office or date night. Some of our brands include Kuhl, Travis Mathew, Mizzen & Main, 7 Diamonds, Flag & Anthem and Johnston & Murphy.”
“Once we open, customer feedback will help shape our style direction,” Sara explains.
Jacob will be involved in daily operations, managing the team, ordering products and marketing. He says they're enthused to offer something not available in the area: a store dedicated solely to quality men's clothing and gifts, with old-school customer service.”
“Locating Collier Outfitters next to Brianne's Boutique means men and women can make both stores part of their shopping routine and visit them together,” says Sara. “We're so happy to offer this much-needed concept to the community and our customers.”
“Brown and plum are everywhere. Faux leather and suede will add texture to a perfectly styled fall outfit. Accessorizing with a belt and a colorful necklace is a must."