Raspberry Beret Boutique relocates to downtown Highland Park
10/06/2009
Owner anticipating more sales
Raspberry Beret Boutique is moving from 71 Woodbridge Ave. to 141 Raritan Ave. to take better advantage of the foot traffic downtown Highland Park offers.
When Gina Hardisty opened the consignment shop nearly three years ago, she knew it was in a location that wasn’t easily accessible. “It’s a pretty store, but it’s hard to find. I’m on the second floor of the building. It doesn’t have the foot traffic that Raritan (Avenue) has. Nobody is seeing me here,” she said.
Hardisty plans to move to her new location, formerly the Turning Point, in mid-October. She’s wanted to move closer to downtown for a while, but was waiting for her lease to run out. The new location is at the corners of First and Raritan avenues.
“I’m really happy to be able to stay in Highland Park. The store was first opened here. People know me around town,” she said.
Hardisty said she will have to make more money at the new location or face closing the small business, but she’s confident being in downtown will give her an advantage.
Raspberry Beret specializes in mid- to high-end merchandise for women with brands, such as Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
“I try to pick pieces that are unusual and fun,” she said, adding there are also vintage items. The average price of the merchandise is $20, said Hardisty, who has been a second-hand shopper for years.
Raspberry Beret is open 11 am. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Hardisty said she hopes there is a need to extend the hours once she gets up and running in the new location.