Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
WASHINGTON – In the short time since Annette Purdue opened Annabelle’s Boutique in downtown Washington, she’s seen a whole new energy come to Main Street.
The opening of the Downtown Commons, a bustling Farmers Market, live concerts and other new businesses moving in have changed what it means to be downtown.
“We have a wonderful little town and we have some visionary people who have been behind the restoration,” said Purdue, who is also a member of Discover Downtown Washington, the city’s Main Street organization. “If you plan it and execute it, people will come. That’s why we’ve had such success.”
Annabelle’s Boutique is a home decor store that Purdue opened almost four years ago. If you’re looking for accent pillows, rugs, lighting or small furniture, Annabelle’s Boutique probably has it.
Like many small businesses, she’s preparing for the Christmas season and Small Business Saturday, a day that encourages shoppers to “Shop Small.” This year, Shop Small is Nov. 29. Small Business Saturday has been co-sponsored by the SBA since 2011. It represents a vital shopping holiday for America’s 36 million small businesses. According to American Express, small business owners surveyed expect nearly 20% of their annual revenue to come from sales on Small Business Saturday alone.
Purdue spoke with Southern Indiana Business Report about being a small business owner, the challenges and rewards.
How long have you owned Annabelle’s Boutique?
I’ve been in business for 3 1/2 years.
What led you to want to start a small business?
Prior to what I’m doing now, I helped run a family business. I did the paperwork so I was quite familiar with the numbers part of it. After a divorce, I had to recreate myself. I thought, ‘What am I going to do now?’ We needed a little store in town where people could buy home decor and small pieces of furniture that were elegant, unique and affordable.
What challenges did you face?
I was a Girl Scout leader for 25 years. I always told my Girl Scouts, ‘Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something and you make your own success.’ To start my business, I had to take my own advice. COVID made retail much harder. There’s been a lot of hurdles but I’ve been fortunate to have support from people who really care about me.
Describe your store, what you carry?
I have a nice selection of pillows, rugs, lighting, home decor and small furniture pieces. All the customers who come in love my store and the different vignettes. I’m in a building built in 1910 and it still has the original front door. It used to be a soda shop … preserving the history of the building is important to me.
What are the advantages of being downtown?
All the businesses really encourage each other and send customers both ways. The Chandelier Barn Market just moved to Main Street and they had well over 4,000 people for their Christmas show. The streets were busier than I can remember as a child. It’s bringing more people to downtown Washington and they don’t go to just one place to shop.
What is it about being a business owner that suits you rather than another line of work?
The freedom. I get to engage with all my customers and that’s one of the best things for me. I’ve found some kindred spirits and I’m so proud to be a female entrepreneur in the community that raised me. As a small business, I’m not restricted by corporate decisions. I can donate to causes I feel strongly about. I’m really honored to be part of the collaboration of businesses on Main Street.
What are some things you put into practice that you think have made you successful?
My prices are very affordable and I always have a sale running. It’s important to me that customers find what they’re looking for, there’s not a piece in my store that I didn’t pick personally.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
Have a strong business background for your records and bookkeeping. And do research on what you’re interested in and how current it is to the needs of people today. Believe in what you do because you cannot convince anyone of your cause or your business unless you are fully invested and believe in it yourself.
Shopping at Annabelle’s Boutique
Annabelle’s Boutique, 116 E. Main St., will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29. Shoppers can enter a raffle for a $50 gift certificate and enjoy 20% off storewide. Regular business hours are Thursday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shop Small Nov. 29 in Washington
“Home for the Holidays: Shop Small Saturday” is Discover Downtown Washington’s Shop Small event. It will feature a community raffle and promotions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prizes include items from local shops such as A Wonderful Life, Annabelle’s Boutique, Cherry Ghost Coffeehouse, Chandelier Barn, Arts Unleashed’s The Gallery, A Touch of Heaven, the Daviess County Museum and others.