By Press Times staff
DE PERE – Downtown De Pere’s Market Street Boutique unveiled a new look on May 10, following the completion of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s 24-hour Main Street Makeover contest.
While renovations have been in process over the last few months, much of the finishing work took place in the final 24-hours.
WEDC and the Retailworks worked with Market Street Boutique owner Maggie Simmons to create a space that was welcoming to customers and would improve the overall shopping experience.
“With assistance from WEDC and Retailworks Inc., a Milwaukee-based retail branding and design company, Market Street Boutique updated its indoor space and added exterior signage to increase visibility. The business, which opened its doors in 2020, has developed a loyal customer base, specializing in on-trend clothing, unique gifts and stylish accessories for women of all ages and sizes,” a WEDC release stated.
“The makeover seeks to make the interior space more inviting and engaging as the business continues to grow and expand, as well as amplify the overall image of Main Street De Pere.”
Simmons received a $5,000 grant toward the project.
During the unveiling, Simmons said she started the business at the “height of COVID.”
“Prior to that, we were new to Wisconsin — my husband, myself and my daughter. I was trying to juggle practicing law, as well as virtual kindergarten because of COVID. Things were tough with my mental health. I was really in a bad place for a while, so I made a really hard decision and quit my job practicing,” she recalled.
She began helping a family member with an online boutique.
“I kind of fell in love with the business and that is how this was developed,” explained Simmons.
“It was one of the best decisions I made, because I love coming to work now.”
Renovations to Simmons’ business included new dressing rooms, expanded jewelry station, upgraded lighting, improved merchandise displays, paint, lighting, signage and improved checkout counters.
This is the WEDC’s eighth annual running of the makeover program.
The contest is a part of the organization’s Wisconsin Main Street program, which is designed to revitalize downtowns and commercial districts in communities.
“A vibrant downtown is vital to a community’s economic growth, and Market Street Boutique will play a key role in bringing visitors, future residents and businesses to Main Street De Pere,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, said in the release. “Investing in our communities aids business efforts to recruit and retain workers by making Wisconsin an even more attractive place to live and work.”
Wisconsin Main Street Program provides support and training for communities and organizations dedicated to downtown revitalization efforts and provides services and tools for businesses and property owners within these districts.