Perpetual Childhood Boutique will open its doors Friday and Saturday at noon for its grand opening with a bit of a new look and new owners but the same warm, personal attention offered since the 1990s.
Lori Hannon, co owner, said she decided to buy the business one day after a visit to the store. “I came in one day and Bill and Geraldine said they were selling the store,” Hannon said. “I was sad.”
Hannon said she mentioned it to her husband that night, and he asked her if she wanted to buy it. Hannon, a 15-year customer of the store, decided that was exactly what she was going to do. So she approached her friend Laurie Debelak, who accepted her invitation to be a partner.
Debelak will take care of the financial side of the business, while Hannon will manage the store. She considers her husband, Sean Hannon, a Pittsburgh attorney, a third partner.
Hannon, of Fombell, spent 20 years as an interior designer before her decision to co own and manage the boutique.
According to Hannon, she always wanted to own a retail store. “When my kids were younger, I wanted to own a baby furniture store,” she said.
Hannon said she is looking forward to working with the public and taking part in the life’s special events like baptisms and communions. “I love the public,” she said. “I know everybody. I can’t wait for the opening.”
The renovated store has a fresh look and feel, but the same types of beautiful clothing and accessories offered for the previous decades by Bill and Geraldine Garland. Hannon said one thing that is different is some of the services offered.
The boutique will cater a little more to older children than it did previously. Hannon has added a line of baby bags to the store. Customers will be able to shop online now with Perpetual Childhood Boutique’s “From our store to your door” service. They will also be able to receive in-store alterations.
There is also a gift basket service for customers looking for a newborn baby gift. The gift baskets can be purchased in store and delivered to the hospital. The store will also offer appointments for special occasions.
Hannon is looking forward to seeing her dream and hard work come to fruition. “I’ve had a lot of friends helping me,” she said. “I really want to thank everyone for the help.”
So far, so good for Hannon whose eyes grew big as she scanned her new store. Hannon said a lot of work went into the new store and the opening—16-hour days.
“It has exceeded my expectations,” she said.
Stop by Perpetual Childhood Boutique on Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m for the grand opening. There will be prizes awarded on both days.
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