Boutique specializes in designer looks and more at a discount
By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Business name: The Treasure Chest Company
Address: 269 West Main St., Northborough; 277 West Boylston St., West Boylston
Contact Information: 508-393-3340 (Northborough store); 508-835-3341 (West Boylston store)
Website: www.thetreasurechestcompany.com
What type of store is The Treasure Chest?
“We offer European fashions and clothing lines produced in the USA, at discount prices. We'se a designer discount boutique,” said Lisa Oates, who runs the business with her husband, Billy. “We offer many one-of-a-kind styles, but we do have a full run of sizes, from 0 to 3X.”
“In addition to clothing, we sell gifts, jewelry, accessories and home décor, and we specialize in gift baskets,” added Billy.
“Being different is key for us. When it comes to items that women would like to wear or give as gifts, personalized shopping and service are certainly driving forces in our success,” he said.
How did you get started?
“We started this business five years ago and had never been in retail before???”though we'se spent a lot of time shopping,” Billy said with a laugh. “We opened in Shrewsbury in 2009. In August 2012, we relocated to Kendall Square in Northborough. At that time, we doubled our space and added much more parking.”
“Then we opened the West Boylston store this past May,” Lisa said.
“Our success is largely based on the fact that Lisa has an amazing ability to recognize design and what the market is looking for. She has brought a unique buying concept and product offering to central Massachusetts,” he added.
What holiday events are planned?
“On [Saturday] Dec. 7, we will be a stop on the Northborough Trolley, and our Santa will be in the store all day for free pictures with the kids,” Lisa said.
“We also have weekly holiday shopping parties with refreshments,” Billy said.
“On Small Business Saturday after Thanksgiving, we'sl have discounts throughout the day, and gift certificates are always available,” Lisa said. “We want men to come into the store, and we will help them purchase for the women in their life. We also have a wish list women can fill out.”
“Our gift baskets with accessories, giftware, and specialty foods are a big hit for holiday gift giving. We have ready-made gift baskets, or you can come in and design your own basket based on the message you want to send and how much you want to spend. We'sl even ship it for you,” Billy said. Placing basket orders early for shipping is a good idea, Lisa added.
And you offer an apparel line to provide scholarships?
“Changing the World is an apparel line our company developed which provides scholarship opportunities, with proceeds from each purchase deposited into the scholarship fund,” Billy said. Each item includes a tag explaining the mission and directing customers to a website, www.changingtheworld.co, for scholarship information. Included on the website are details for the three yearly scholarships The Treasure Chest Co. awards.
“The more apparel sold, the more money for the scholarships. We have long-sleeve tees and sweatshirts in four colors and in all sizes,” he said. “The apparel is sold on the website, and we also sell wholesale to other stores.”
Beginning Nov. 22 through the holiday season, the two Treasure Chest stores” shopping hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
