If you were 16-year-old and a stunning blonde that just so happened to be the daughter of three generations of women’s clothing boutique owners, and you had a store named after you, there would be a lot of pressure on you to have the “fashion gene.”
Luckily for her family, Ellie Smith has got the fashion gene, big time! If things go well this summer, Ellie, a Tower Hill School student and the namesake of Greenville’s trendy women’s boutique, will be the next in line to take on a management role and keep the business in the family.
This junior fashionista is being groomed to tackle all aspects of the business, including sales, buying and management. So far, so good. She’s been helping with sales on the floor and has even been to trade shows to study buying. Ellie says she has been helping out around the store ever since she was a little girl, and has always enjoyed it.
That is good news for Greenville, since we are short on upscale department stores these days and look to Ellie to keep us from having to drive all the way to King of Prussia . Ellie has also been a supporter of local designers, including those up and coming from the University of Delaware fashion school.
“We strive to keep a balance of high-end designers and fresh new ones, so you won’t see yourself coming and going,” says Margaret Smith, owner and Ellie’s mother.
Looking around the store you will see that the customers are a mix of high school girls, moms and chic women over 40. The variety of lines such as Juicy Couture and a selection of designer jeans (Seven for all Mankind) are appealing to the younger crowd. I was thrilled to see they are now caring such luxury designers as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Vivian Tam, Nanette Lepore and tibi, all right here in Greenville!
However, with the tough economic times, Ellie (the daughter) told me that they are keeping an eye on the economy and are seeking out new brands that will be easy on the pocketbook but in keeping with the quality and style their customers expect.
Just then, I spotted a fabulous new line of casual wear called So lo, that Donna the manager assured me has been flying off the rack. Then I tried on a white blouse with the latest trend of ruffles. Oh, it was so nice and fitted that I just couldn’t resist. Now, totally out of control, the gorgeous selection of costume jewelry beckoned me and there I was trying on one of the newest fad—necklace layering—and loving it! This is hands down one of my favorite boutiques in Greenville!
With bringing in a young perspective on things and a variety of price points, the real Ellie will surely keep this local favorite shopping destination on the map. To find out more about sales and upcoming events, make sure to check out their lovely newly designed website.
Ellie
4013 Kennett Pike
Greenville, DE 19807
656-8800
www.ellieboutique.com
