New Maplewood Boutique Offers Handmade Accessories, Charming Quality

When downtown St. Louis retail shops started shutting down, moving away or selling only online, Charm Boutique owner Kari Kraichely knew it was time for a change.

"One thing I've learned in this business is that retail needs to be next to other retail to succeed," Kraichely said. The store opened its doors last week at 7312 Manchester Road.

Kraichley said Maplewood was exactly what she was looking for when deciding her next move, where retail businesses stay open despite the current economy.

Kraichely first opened Charm Boutique in 2007 on N. 11th Street in St. Louis, a decision she made after her daughter was born and she was looking to dive into something new.

She actually started the store because she couldn't find accessoriers for herself.

"I ended up buying from local, independent artists and designers that I would like as a consumer," she said.

Charm Boutique will fit right into Maplewood's focus on handmade, local products, Kraichely said. Kraichley has never once been to a wholesale designer show to pick items for her store. Instead, she relies on recommendations from current artists and designers featured in the store.

"I trust them," Kraichely said. "If they say another artist is good, I believe them based on their own quality of work."

About 50 artists have been added to a wait list to be included in Charm Boutique's aesthetic.

Nearby boutiques across Maplewood could serve as competition, but Kraichely said her store will fit into the niche without taking business away from her neighbors.

"We have about 90 percent accessories and 10 percent clothing, which is the opposite of other stores in Maplewood," Kraichley said. "I'm excited to become a part of the community and help it in any way I know how."

Charm Boutique offers custom wedding jewelry as well, with an in-house designer that can work well within specific budgets and requirements, Kraichely said. Kraichely also puts people in contact with other designers in the store that match a wedding's aesthetic.

For parties of three to six, call the store to schedule a Revamp Party, where you get the opportunity to turn your old jewelry into an entirely new accessory gem.

Charm Boutique is located at 7312 Manchester Road.

The hours are:
Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.