Boutique marks 10 years in downtown Hagerstown

August 10, 2008|By DAN DEARTH

Brenda Goodwyn said she counts her loyal customers and employees among the reasons that her store, The Figurehead II women's clothing boutique, has been in business for 10 years in downtown Hagerstown.

It also doesn't hurt, she said, to have a supportive family and friends.

"Those people are my support group," Goodwyn said. "They have helped me get through the ups and downs."

Goodwyn said she left a career in real estate to open the two-room boutique at 2 W. Franklin St. after she discussed the venture with her late mother-in-law, who sold clothes at the original Figurehead in the seaside community of Lewes, Del.

With name brands such as Flax and Cynthia Ashby, a lot of the clothes are linens that emphasize comfort and a relaxed fit, she said.

Goodwyn said she uses the motto "clothing with an attitude, not an age" to gain a regular customer base that ranges in age from 45 to 65.

One of those customers, Hagerstown resident Sue Kershner, said she has been shopping at Figurehead II since it opened.

"It's wonderful. It's unique," Kershner said. "You can get things you can't find anywhere else."

Kershner said she shops at Figurehead II primarily to buy American-made Louise Green hats and Lee Andersen coats.

Another frequent patron, Patti Ruff, said Figurehead II has been bringing "Sex and the City" fashion to Hagerstown "way before it became popular."

"Her clothing is cutting edge, fun and artsy," Ruff said. "(It's) something that simply can't be found in a big-box store."

In addition to clothing, the boutique carries shoes, handbags and jewelry.

Goodwyn said she primarily buys her merchandise on shopping trips in New York and from vendors who visit the store.

"I offer a personal assistance that women like," she said. "I find them things they're looking for."

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