Olive ‘et Boutique to close by early March

Customers have about two months to shop at Olive ‘et Boutique before it closes.

Vicki Wade, owner of Olive ‘et Boutique, announced Jan. 5 through a Facebook post that “a growing family, travel, business opportunities” and an interest in the the commercial property warranted the closing of the local retail shop located at 111 W. Second St. S. in downtown Newton.

“The opportunity to serve you these past (four-and-a-half) years has been deeply satisfying for me and the ladies who work to create unique shopping experience for you,” Wade said in the social media post. “These friendships are what make brick-and-mortar retail so very special.”

Olive ‘et Boutique customers will have plenty of time to shop the discounted inventory in January and February, Wade told Newton News. The store will be open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and is currently offering 35 percent off all merchandise, excluding wine.

Doors are expected to close in early March, but Wade said the final closing date is dependent on another business coming forward to the lease the space. The space is set up and ideal for another clothing or gift shop or possibly a showroom or business office, Wade added.

Last summer, the shop expanded its space to improve its needs at that time, as well as meet any future needs. Wade said she and her husband Shawn own the building. He will continue to operate the Razor’s Edge barbershop — located a few doors down from Olive ‘etBoutique — and work on the property.

So far the two have received inquiries on the building but have not accepted any offers at this time, Wade told Newton News.

Wade opened Olive ‘et Boutique in 2017. With more than 25 years of retail experience under her belt, she noticed a need for a women’s clothing store. She also recognized someone needed “to show downtown could be fun and vibrant.” It was also an investment into the building the she and her husband acquired.

The store kept Wade in the loop with the retail rector and took her through her youngest son’s graduation into soon-to-be grandparent-hood.

Although the shop will close, Wade said in the post she will continue to be active in retail development through consulting, writing and speaking engagements. Wade is also president of Destination Downtown Newton Alliance, a local group committed to showcasing and celebrating downtown businesses.

Wade said those who own and operate small businesses are the best source for capitalizing on this type of economic development. In the past four years, downtown businesses have worked very hard to introduce nearly 10 new and expanded retail stores and restaurants, Wade added.

“We’ve got a good thing going on,” she said. “And I’ll continue to be a part of that through speaking engagements in Central Iowa and small business advocacy. My support and service to Destination Downtown Newton Alliance won’t change, especially since we are working on exciting changes for 2023.”

The support of customers is “humbling,” Wade said, and the collaboration among independent business owners has been exciting for the retail store; the relationships made is what makes brick-and-mortar establishments so important, especially in rural communities.

“I’ll be around,” Wade said. “Store owners have reached out to me about holding Olive ‘et pop-up events, and for years I’ve served in a consulting role on marketing and business plan projects. That’s something I enjoy and will continue to provide for many years to come.”

More information on future discounts will be announced on Olive’ et Boutique’s Facebook page.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com