This article was originally published in The Best of Intima (page 14).
A renovated warehouse dating back to the early 1900s was transformed into an upscale shopping center and, since June 2001, has been home to this lingerie haven. Store owner Betsy Dougherty Henson opened the store in an effort to provide her local community with a place to receive a proper bra fitting and buy a quality bra.
In-keeping with its heritage, Ellie’s Fine Lingerie boutique stays true to a Victorian-inspired decor, with soft lighting, high ceilings, and exposed brickwork. The color theme plays with hues of light blue, set off against a deep purple accent wall. A large street front window floods the spacious 1,400 square-foot space with natural light with regularly updated window displays that attract passerby to stop by and browse what the store has to offer. Walls boast ornately framed black and white photographs hailing back to yesteryear and mix with mounted colored prints of modeled lingerie. Mannequins don the newest arrivals and merchandise is displayed on antique tables, with select pieces hanging majestically in bookcases and refurbished closets. Customers leave with their purchases prettily packaged and can take advantage of the gift-wrap service to give their gifts a special finishing touch.
Betsy makes sure to keep her customers happy by offering home-delivery and special discounts to friends of the store Facebook page. She holds in-store events in association with charities to involve her clients in shopping for a cause, and clients can even sign up for after-hours parties to celebrate special events such as bridal showers and lingerie parties!