Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Business showcase
Beyond resale: Audrey’s Boutique
An essential oil workshop. Book signings. Cosmetics demonstrations. Private shopping nights. Live harp music. Few retail establishments offer events like these, let alone resale stores. But Audrey’s Resale Boutique in Bella Vista turns the notion of a resale store on its head—and then, perhaps, will add just the perfect hat!
From the upscale merchandise to the unofficial “mascot”—friendly Sophia Grace, a Bichon Frisé who greets customers a couple of days a week— Audrey’s elevates resale store shopping to a one-ofa-kind experience.
The atmosphere here is friendly and welcoming. In a town without a Starbucks, Audrey’s Resale Boutique is a sort of community gathering place, tucked into a shopping center in the Highlands of Bella Vista. A table and chairs just inside the door are often occupied by friends having a chat—when that set sells, it will be replaced by another.
Manager Kristy Danna keeps the selection fresh and interesting for her customers.
“We just finished flipping the store for fall,” Kristy points out. Yes…Audrey’s merchandise changes with the season, so it’s never the same store twice here.
Featuring furniture and home décor plus women’s clothing and accessories, Audrey’s stylish displays and merchandising make the resale “treasure hunt” truly fun. Susan Sage, a designer from Kansas City who recently moved to Bella Vista, just joined the Audrey’s team and is eager to share her ideas and expertise.
With upcycling and repurposing now popular design trends, shopping resale is more popular than ever. Not to mention the opportunity to find designer looks at great prices, and reduce environmental waste.
Kristy notes that none of this would be possible without donations from a generous community, and her team of volunteers who pick up, sort and display those donations with dedication and care.
Best of all, it’s for a good cause. Proceeds from the store benefit Audrey’s Home of Hope, a non-profit that empowers young mothers.
“We educate and get women back on the road to self-sufficiency,” says Kristy, who also points out that anything the store can’t use is ‘paid forward’ to other organizations. “Everything that’s donated here finds a home. Nothing is ever thrown away.”
In her retail career, Kristy has seen a lot of trends come and go and now recognizes one trend that probably will be around for a while.
“As our population ages, a lot of people are downsizing. All of a sudden they don’t need that big furniture anymore,” she notes. “They are in a different phase of life. Their kids are grown, they are entertaining less, travelling more. The page is turning and they can do something new.”
Sometimes, Kristy will go to someone’s home and help clear furniture and stage a home for selling. Or she’ll help someone who’s downsizing decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
Then she’ll have fun helping them choose new furnishings and décor.
“They come here and find beautiful things without spending a lot of money and they can give back at the same time,” Kristy points out. “It’s a win-win.”
Whether you’re looking to add some fresh fall décor to your home or get ready for a new fashion season with some wardrobe additions, it’s a great time to visit Audrey’s.
And if you’re clearing your closets or cupboards, you can drop off donations to the boutique’s adjoining warehouse during business hours. Or call to arrange a pick up. The store is especially in need of gently loved sofas and chairs right now.