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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-states. In addition to this update from Dyersville, Iowa, we will share additional developments in Tuesday’s edition.
A Galena, Ill.-based boutique and coffee shop has opened a Dyersville location.
Elle & Beck’s Lifestyle Boutique opened July 3 at 207 First Ave. E. in Dyersville. The building previously housed J&R Fashions Boutique, which closed last month.
Elle & Beck’s owner, Monique Butcher, said she is friends with Jennifer Recker, who owned and operated J&R Fashions. In June, Recker told Butcher she would be closing her business and asked whether Butcher wanted to take over the space.
“I originally told her no, but upon thinking about it — and with some prodding from my husband — I decided to go for it,” Butcher said.
Elle & Beck’s operates a location in Galena, Ill., which includes both a boutique and a coffee/gelato bar. The business also runs a food truck, which primarily operates in Dubuque and sells coffee and gelato on the go.
J&R Fashions Boutique’s final day of operations was June 22, and Butcher got the keys July 1. With help from staff and family, she worked until 1 a.m. July 3 to prepare clothing and gift items for a grand opening that day.
“It all happened very quickly,” she said.
Elle & Beck’s Lifestyle Boutique offers regular, plus-size and children’s clothes, in addition to shoes, accessories, jewelry, candles, beach towels, coolers and other gift items.
All three employees of J&R Fashions will remain on staff with Elle & Beck’s. Recker will continue to own the building, and Butcher is renting the space occupied by her store.
Butcher said customer response to the new Dyersville location has been positive so far.
“So many people have come in and thanked me for being there,” she said. “I just want to keep the shopping local, and I want to continue what (customers) are used to having, which is the clothes and gift things that they don’t have to go to Dubuque or a bigger city to get. They can stay in their hometown and shop.”
Elle & Beck’s Lifestyle Boutique in Dyersville is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The store is closed Sunday and Monday.
The business can be reached at elleandbecksboutique@gmail.com and found online at elleandbecksboutique.com.