It’s easy to imagine a high-end boutique in a small town losing money in today’s economy, but for Camas-based Lily Atelier, that hasn’t been the case.
The shop’s price range – $38 for T-shirts, $800 for wool coats – is far from that of discount chains popular in slow economic times. But shoppers haven’t slowed down entirely, said Owner Dawn Stanchfield.
“(They’re) investing in core pieces that you pay more for but will wear for several seasons,” she said. “Our business model and (method for) choosing products have helped in the economy. We keep it small and specialized with a consistent flow of product.”
Lily Atelier ended 2008 on track with 2007. From 2004 to 2007, annual sales had increased at least 15 percent.
Stanchfield opened the shop in July 2003 and has worked 25 years in retail, including time as a wholesaler for Portland-based designer Lena Medoyeff.
Most of the store’s five employees have been with the store since its beginning, dressing many customers for life’s milestones.
“When someone’s asking you to dress them for their husband’s funeral, you realize how deep it goes,” Stanchfield said. “We know them by name, and we’re constantly building on what we know is in their wardrobes. We’re looking at the cut of the garments and how they fit their bodies.”
As a result, the shop attracts women from a wide range of ages and sizes, and has a merchandise return rate of about 2.5 percent.
In fall 2007, Stanchfield doubled the shop’s size to 1,600 square feet to add Luxe, a shoe and accessories department.
A Camas resident, she started the business after seeing downtown’s growth efforts and the urbanite influx.
“That was the signal that people were willing to invest in quality of life here,” she said. “They all want to call it their own, to step up and support it.”
Lily Atelier is at 234 N.E. Fourth Ave. in Camas. Stanchfield can be reached at 360-834-9215 or www.lilyatelier.com.
Charity Thompson can be reached at cthompson@vbjusa.com.
