The Shop
Photograph by Jessamyn Tuttle
This upscale women’s clothing boutique has been in its current location in downtown La Conner for nearly 20 years, after its origins just across the street in the 1990s. Janet and Ron Foster started their business after years in the retail industry (Ron at the Bon Marche and Janet at Neiman Marcus), taking over a local souvenir shop called American Peddler. They wanted to offer good-quality clothing using good retailing principles, and gradually replaced the stock with what Janet calls “upper moderate” women’s clothing. In 2004 they moved across the street (“in a snow blizzard!”) to their current location. Since then, they have become a shopping destination for both tourists and locals, including regular customers who drive down from Canada or up from Seattle.
Atmosphere
Located in an old meat market building along the La Conner waterfront, the outside of the shop looks rustic, but the inside is anything but. Although the space is small, the high ceiling makes it feel airy, and it’s full of bright colors that make it a delight to walk through and fabrics that demand to be touched. Janet’s paintings and quilts adorn the walls, along with translucent Japanese umbrellas, flowers, and knickknacks. Every rack features a sample outfit that pulls together all the different patterns and colors into a coordinated look.
Photograph by Jessamyn Tuttle
Photograph by Jessamyn Tuttle
What You’ll Find
Primarily women’s clothing, ranging from dresses to sportswear, and accessories including purses, jewelry, and scarves (although there are a few men’s wallets for the husbands who drift inside). Most of the clothing is designed to appeal to women 30 and up, with soft fabrics (the shop doesn’t carry anything made of wool), art-inspired patterns, and forgiving cuts. The Fosters choose clothing lines that are comfortable, appealing, and wear well. They may not have every size in every item, but they try to have a selection of many different types of styles and looks. They bring in new items constantly to remain current and seasonal, and make sure to respond to what’s selling well. There’s also a cozy sale room in the back of the shop with great deals.
Key People
Photograph by Jessamyn Tuttle
Janet and Ron run the business and make buying trips to Portland and Seattle, and they have four year-round employees who keep the shop running, create new displays, and make customers feel warmly welcomed. “They do a wonderful job; we’ve been extremely fortunate,” says Janet. “I’m very proud of all of them.”
Favorites
Photograph by Jessamyn Tuttle
Photograph by Jessamyn Tuttle
Janet loves clothing from Nic + Zoe, a stylish and comfortable brand which is one of their best-selling lines, and Vine Street Apparel, which she says is popular with all ages and body types: “It fits everybody easily…it makes everybody happy.” Skagit River Boutique is open every day of the year except for New Year’s Day and Christmas. 622 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.5554
