Darcy Simmons’ second floor shop attracts high ticket buyers
Tucked away in a vintage dentist’s office in downtown Camas, Darcy Simmons has created her own sweet, sexy world of lingerie.
Simmons, who spent 20 years in sales and marketing in the moving industry, opened the Merry Widow’s Boutique in July and said it is growing popular with men and women from 15 to 65 years old.
"When you start breaking it down to what there isn’t on every corner, this comes to mind," she said, looking around the cheery upstairs shop that has several small rooms of lacy panties, delicate nighties and fancy footwear. With the exception of chain stores and department stores found in malls, there are few boutiques that carry only lingerie, she said.
Sales have been slightly less than Simmons projected, but she was surprised to discover the average transaction amount is much higher than she anticipated. She would not discuss sales revenues.
In a raucous raspberry-colored space, Simmons has the inspiration for the shop’s namesake – a framed advertisement for a Maidenform Merry Widow from Life magazine, circa 1952.
The lingerie company pioneered the strapless corset that year to coincide with the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film "The Merry Widow" starring Lana Turner.
The shop has attracted a customer base of more than 100, many of whom are regulars. Before opening, Simmons had a typical customer in mind, but quickly learned that lingerie knows no bounds.
Clients range from teenage girls looking for corsets to women in their 50s and 60s. Sizes run from the teeniest pairs of thong underwear to plus sizes.
"A lot of people just love it," Simmons said. "I carry stuff that mothers can open in front of their kids – pretty things, not tacky, icky stuff."
"Every day we get people who come in and say, ‘I didn’t know you were here,’" Simmons said. "Now we can focus on getting the word out."
When Simmons made the decision to open a business, she immediately knew downtown Camas was the place to be.
"There is nowhere else in Clark County like it," said Simmons, who lives in Vancouver. "The trees are amazing, there is an eclectic vibe, the walking, shopping and First Friday are great."
Below her shop is a gift shop and a salon, both of which Simmons knew would generate walking traffic that could direct customers upstairs to the boutique.
"I offer a way for women of any size or shape to feel pretty and put-together," Simmons said. "Even if you’re the only one who sees it, there is something about knowing you look good under your clothes."
Merry Widow’s Boutique
Darcy Simmons, owner 417 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas 360-833-9212
