Ozark Living

Special to Ozark Living Magazine When it comes to home decorating, shoppers look for unique touches to lend personality and character. More and more these days, those touches are found in an unlikely place: the resale store. With upcycling and repurposing now popular design trends, shopping resale is more than acceptable than ever. For consumers looking for better quality, those concerned about environmental waste, or the economy-minded, resale is the way to go. at's not news to Kristy Danna, manager of Audrey's Resale Boutique in Bella Vista. She knows that her upscale collection of home décor is prime hunting ground for folks re- decorating, decorating a first home, a vacation home or even downsizing. Kristy brings an extensive retail background to her well-organized, volunteer- run store in this town known for retirees and lake houses. She has an eye for style, a knack for putting together an attractive display, and a sensibility about who people are and what they want. Her community connections mean she has her finger on the pulse of both sides of her particular retail equation: abundant donations and folks in need. True to its name, the store is more "boutique" than resale store. e sunny storefront does not feel "thri" or "secondhand," although everything in the store is, as Kristy puts it, "gently loved." Audrey's doesn't look (or smell) like a resale store. In fact, folks sometimes don't even know it is one. "It happens," Kristy laughs. "Someone will ask if I have something in a different size. I have to say 'you know this is resale, right?'" 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. "ey are in a different phase of life. eir kids are grown, they are entertaining less, travelling more. e 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. en she'll have fun helping them choose new furnishings and décor. "ey 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." Not to mention that a visit to Audrey's is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. In a town without a Starbucks, it's a sort of unofficial gathering place. e table and chairs just inside the door are oen occupied by friends having a chat—when that set sells, it will be replaced by another. One Saturday a month, harpist Jane Powell serenades shoppers in-store. If you visit on Monday or Friday, you'll get tail-wagging welcome from Sophia Grace, a sweet Bichon Frisé owned by dedicated volunteer Shiela Lettow. Audrey's also has in-store events—an essential oil workshop, book signings, cosmetics demonstrations, private shopping nights. Further proof that Audrey's is not your typical resale store. Audrey's aficionado Lynn Marie, describes the merchandise here, "ey feel like treasures. It's not junk. When you come in here you feel like you've entered a haven." She shows off her newest Audrey's treasure, a necklace, saying "this isn't something I bought, this is something I caught." Audrey's also has a great selection of women's clothing and accessories. You can drop off donations to the boutique's adjoining warehouse during business hours. Or call to arrange a pick up. Audrey's Resale Boutique 1731 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am - 6 pm (479) 250-9960 cell: (512) 565-6734 Upscale resale, for a good cause SponSor content "Everything that's donated here finds a home. Nothing is ever thrown away." ~ Kristy Danna, manager of Audrey's Resale Boutique C10 • SEPTEMBER 2019 • OZARK LIVING

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