'Becky Boo' opens second boutique, gives back to community: First responders get discount
Kristi K. Higgins, The Progress-Index
5 min read
PETERSBURG — Locals welcome a new business to Old Towne. Dinwiddie resident Becky Martin opens her second Becky Boo-tique location.
"Everyone in Petersburg has been so supportive and helpful," Martin said. "We're excited to start this venture here."
Becky Boo-tique has clothes for women and children, golf shirts and t-shirts for men, jewelry, accessories and gift items. Why the play on words? Becky Boo was Martin's nickname growing up given to her by her father-in-law.
"The Dinwiddie location opened a year ago, and I've been online for three years. It's been successful," Martin said. "We're looking forward to more success here in Petersburg."
Becky Boo-tique
The Southern Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Becky Boo-tique's grand opening on Friday, Sept. 2. W. Howard Myers, councilmember representing Ward 5 in the City of Petersburg, was in attendance.
"Petersburg is very fortunate in its resurgence to have Becky Boo-tique as our newest addition to retail downtown," Myers said. "Her energy was amazing as well as her enthusiasm to be here. The shop is beautifully laid out with essentials of modern-day apparel."
Myers, a former Petersburg mayor, manages the Cameron Building in Petersburg, a venue for pop-up shops.
Open house attendees registered to win a $100 Becky Boo-tique gift card. Sallie Cauthers of Petersburg was the lucky duck. According to Martin, customers will have a crack at winning a $25 gift card each month.
Old Towne resident Ella Dickinson stopped by the open house event and bought a gift card. She thinks Becky Boo-tique is a really cute store and a great addition to Old Towne.
"What really moved me was how touched they were that their neighbors Beaunuts had delivered some donuts earlier on in support and congratulations of their opening," Dickinson posted on Facebook. "Kat from Old Towne's Alibi came by in support and did a bunch of shopping. Stronger together!"
"It's beautiful. I walked in there to drop off donuts today. It looks like a real professional kind of retail space," Ernie LaBrecque, owner of Beaunuts Buttermilk Donuts said. "It's always good to see something new pop up. I'm excited to have another place to send our customers to, something other than an antique store or restaurant."
Martin's mother Karen Blake and other family members from West Point helped out during the event. Blake baked a homemade pound cake for the special occasion.
"Becky worked very hard at the other store and got it going and now she's at this big, beautiful store loving every minute of it," Blake said. "I'm very proud of her."
According to Blake, in addition to owning and operating both Becky Boo-tiques, her daughter also works full-time as a senior tax auditor for the Virginia Department of Taxation.
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I spoke with Dinwiddie native Carol Nixon after she made her first purchase at Becky Boo-tique. The cheetah-print bag looked pretty full, so I asked her what items she found to take home.
"I got a sweater, headband, cardigan and earrings," Nixon of Chesterfield said. "Oh, and I ate a piece of delicious pound cake."
Nixon likes to support small businesses and is glad to see more stores in Old Towne. "When you live out in rural Dinwiddie, you need to go to Petersburg or Walnut Hill to go shopping," Nixon said.
Before opening her first Becky Boo-tique, Blake visualized animal print shopping bags. She tried to order bags with a dalmatian print like she has had up until now, however, they were not available.
Jenny Matthews of Disputanta dropped in to see what Becky Boo-tique has to offer. "I'm excited to see a new shop in the area," Matthews said.
After being one of the first customers at the new location, Susan King posted on Facebook, "Love it... stopped in this afternoon! Nice addition to Old Towne!"
Martin gives a 20% discount to first responders as well as a 15% discount to anyone who presents a valid ID during their birthday month. Another way she gives back to her community is by donating a portion of every sale to one of three charities dear to her heart: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Vascular Birthmarks Foundation.
Old Towne's newest business is at 10 Bollingbrook St., across the street from Andrade's International Restaurant. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Dinwiddie Becky Boo-tique is located at 23188-B Airport St. Hours: Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Visit beckybootique.com for more information. Read this story at progress-index.com to watch my video tour and interview with Martin.
— Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.
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