Myrtle Beach specialty store doing fine in slow economy

By: Michelle Carolla | SCNow
Published: October 07, 2008

When you step into Ooh La La in Myrtle Beach, you know you're not buying bread and milk. This specialty store is just that, filled with items that some may decide to skip when money is tight. Despite the economy, owner Judi Bonnoitt said business is up from last year.
Bonnoitt started selling invitations and stationary 18-years ago. She branched out into shoes a few years ago. So far the economy isn't hurting her business.
"I think people are cognizant that the economy is a little iffy right now. I think people are not being terribly extravagant, but as for our specialties, which are our invitations and shoes, so far, so good."
Bonnoitt said she has always guided her customers to the best value. Some people are looking for good deals right now to combat the economy.
She said fortunately, people will continue to throw baby showers, get married and hold events. Those keep her invitation orders lined all the way around the counter.
Her business plan is, as she says, fly by the seat of her pants. She is however, paying more attention to what she orders.
'I'm trying to be conservative. if i only need to order 50 invitations instead of a 100, I only order 50. So, I'm just trying to watch what I spend, be careful, but not stop spending."
Bonnoitt knows keeping items her customers want keeps them coming back year after year.
Bonnoitt said she doesn't really track her stationary and invitations, but her shoe business is up by 30 percent from this time last year. She says she can’t attribute it to any one thing and that she hasn't changed anything. She says she’s very blessed.

Myrtle Beach specialty store doing fine in slow economy

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