LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Whether it has been retail stores or restaurants or anything in between, the pandemic has created challenges for businesses worldwide.
As part of the Rebound Kentucky, LEX 18 has been working to bring people the tools to adjust to the changing climate and success stories in the COVID-era. The owner of a local boutique in Lexington's Chevy Chase neighborhood uses the lessons she has learned over the past year to change the way she does business.
For ten years, Adele has been a staple in Chevy Chase for gifts and home decor, but now owner Heather Reilly is making a change.
"If COVID wouldn't have happened, I don't think I would have renewed my lease," Reilly said.
2020 brought challenges her way no one could have foreseen.
"In March, when all of this started happening, I thought we were done for. Then, with school being out and my husband working from home 100%... I mean, it was just so many unknowns," explained Reilly.
So, she has decided to take the store entirely online.
Reilly said of the decision, "In a way, this is kind of a surprising twist, but when I look back, it's definitely the best thing for where I am in my life."
Up until now, online business was only secondary to her thriving brick and mortar store, but she said after seeing some growth in online sales and taking stock of how her life has changed over the past ten months, this makes sense.
"I was doing the website, and I was being the mom and a wife and all that, and it was just getting to be too much. I really saw this opportunity and thought, 'hey, I can still do what I love and do it at home,'" Reilly said.
Reilly said she would miss seeing her customers daily, but she said it is through their support she can take this leap and pivot her business to meet the moment better.
"It was something that me and my husband wanted to capitalize on, and I think it is going to be a good move for us," Reilly said.
Adele's last day as a brick-and-mortar store is February 5th. Visit their website.
