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New boutique provides more than clothing
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Chris Eckert and Vicki McGee, owner of Simply Scarves ... and Such, stood next to some of the merchandise at the new Austintown store that opened in June.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Simply Scarves ... and Such has a doll room where doll parties are hosted for children to come and dress up dolls. "Under the Big Top" is the theme for the doll party coming up in July.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Austintown's Simply Scarves ... and Such has a bow room with various types of bows for families to choose from.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The main floor at Austintown's Simply Scarves ... and Such is filled with scarves, clothing and other accessories to choose from.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
Vicki McGee, owner of Simply Scarves ... and Such, opened her third store in two years in Austintown in June.
McGee opened her first store in November 2014 in Salem and her second one in Columbiana in October 2015. McGee’s goal is to open 10 stores within a 45 mile radius in five years. The Austintown location is the largest of the three stores.
Working her way through the ranks in retail, McGee earned the experience of what it took to run a store in retail. Friends and family members helped push McGee into creating something on her own. She started by creating a Facebook page and selling items she made. The opening of a spot in Salem and getting a following on her Facebook page, McGee opened her first store.
McGee takes pride in customer service. She listens to what her customers want and tries to accommodate and customize items for those who support her business. The Simply Scarves ... and Such Facebook page allows customers to see items online and order different things to have them shipped to their houses.
“I want to make a difference with the women who support my stores. You can look cute, you can be fashionable, you can get a great gift and you don’t have to break the bank,” said McGee.
McGee started her business with less than $500 and with the support of her customers, her business continues to expand. This is the second year in a row that the Salem store has won the Best of the Best business award in Women’s Apparel.
“For that woman who thinks you need a lot of money to start a business, no you don’t. You can do it,” said McGee.
McGee puts in the hard work and dedication to make her business the best it can be. She wants to let people know they can take charge and create something successful if they put their hearts into it.
McGee likes to create opportunities for her employees. She selects her employees based on what she can see them do in the future. McGee stays loyal to her employees and wants to provide them with a job they love.
Simply Scarves ... and Such is open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturdays, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and is located on 1600 S. Raccoon Road.