Lori’s Boutique opens new location

By MONICA AMMAN

CNA staff reporter mamman@crestonnews.com

Lori Means began her clothing boutique eight years ago by making hair bows, tutus and necklaces for young girls. Over time she started including more items and eventually transitioned to only women’s clothing and accessories.

Originally Means’ boutique was called Real Diva Designs. She felt the name, Real Diva Designs, was geared more towards her original focus on accessories for young girls. As her business evolved to focus on women’s clothing and accessories, a name change made sense to her.

“I thought, ‘you know what? It’s time for a change’,” Means said.

She felt “Lori’s Boutique” is a more fitting name because her customers had been referring to her store as “Lori’s” rather than Real Diva Designs.

When she began her business, almost every Saturday she would travel to vendor shows, flea markets and community events.

When her family moved into Creston three years ago, they built an area in their home specifically for the shop. She held regular business hours at her in-home store location.

As her business grew she began running out of space.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Means said.

The growth of Lori’s Boutique is what prompted her to move her store into its new location, 205 S. Elm St.

“It’s been crazy, a good crazy,” she said

Means said she loves the people that come into her store.

“They’re just so nice and I love when they leave like they’re happy. They feel good about themselves and they can get so many great things for a reasonable price,” said Means.

Means explained that she tries to keep her prices low because she wants people to be able to get the whole outfit and not just one piece of it.

“I really strive to make sure that what I choose is going to be flattering for everyone or a variety of sizes,” said Means about the clothing that she carries in store.

Means carries clothing in sizes small to 3X as well as shoes, jewelry, purses and accessories and giftcards for both online and in-store.

Her approach to buying is to choose clothing that is comfortable yet makes an indiviual feel dressed up.

“I always feel like I’m dressed up but I’m comfortable,” Lori said.

The biggest challenge Lori has had since opening the new location has been keeping inventory on hand. She said she has had to order more than she normally would.

Lori’s Boutique has an online store as well.

“I do try to keep most of my inventory online,” she said.

This allows her to reach customers who live outside of the state or are too far to drive to the store.

Lori’s Boutique, 205 S. Elm St. is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Her online store is available at lorisboutique.net