The third time may be the charm for one local retailer.
It’s Hip to Be Round is reopening its doors in Carytown under new ownership next month.
The maternity clothing boutique has leased a 2,200 square foot space at 3124 W. Cary St. in Richmond, the third location since it first opened almost six years ago.
The retailer carries moderate to high-end designer maternity apparel, nursing supplies, diaper bags, baby gifts and other items. The new store will be operated by a former regular customer of the previous owner.
Anne Kennon, 39, opened the first It’s Hip to Be Round in March of 2005 at 3463 W. Cary St.
“At our height in 2006-2007, our annual sales were just under $700,000,” said Kennon.
Since the business was flourishing, Kennon decided to branch out and open a second location in Short Pump in September 2009.
She was the first retailer to expand to the West Broad Village shopping center, but things didn’t exactly go as planned.
“It was losing money. We thought we’d be opening with other stores and that didn’t happen,” Kennon said.
“There was no foot traffic and we were the only store. Having retail neighbors is crucial to success.”
The 1,800 square foot store closed nine months later, but Kennon hoped to save the flagship store in Carytown.
“It started to turn around, but the debts from West Broad were too great and I was just out of energy.”
Kennon invested $100,000 in the first store and around $70,000 in the second.
For a last minute clearance sale, Kennon sent out word that the Carytown location was shutting down, which piqued the interest of former customer Christa Donohue’s interest.
“I sent out postcards saying we were closing and she came by the store and asked if I was interested in selling.”
Kennon closed the Carytown shop at the end of November and within three weeks had sold the store and remaining inventory to Donohue.
Since November, Kennon has been working as a financial services advisor for Union First Market Bank, but said she will stay on to help Donohue for the next six to 12 months.
“I plan to help her as long as she needs me.”
The new store is set to open mid-March.
Kennon said she’s sad about turning over the store, but the decision has been a good one.
“I’d rather see it continue in the same direction with a different tone than not to exist at all.”
“I’d love to see Christa re-energize it to take it back to where we were in 2006 when it was the only place you would want to go shop when you’re pregnant.”
The third time may be the charm for one local retailer.
It’s Hip to Be Round is reopening its doors in Carytown under new ownership next month.
The maternity clothing boutique has leased a 2,200 square foot space at 3124 W. Cary St. in Richmond, the third location since it first opened almost six years ago.
The retailer carries moderate to high-end designer maternity apparel, nursing supplies, diaper bags, baby gifts and other items. The new store will be operated by a former regular customer of the previous owner.
Anne Kennon, 39, opened the first It’s Hip to Be Round in March of 2005 at 3463 W. Cary St.
“At our height in 2006-2007, our annual sales were just under $700,000,” said Kennon.
Since the business was flourishing, Kennon decided to branch out and open a second location in Short Pump in September 2009.
She was the first retailer to expand to the West Broad Village shopping center, but things didn’t exactly go as planned.
“It was losing money. We thought we’d be opening with other stores and that didn’t happen,” Kennon said.
“There was no foot traffic and we were the only store. Having retail neighbors is crucial to success.”
The 1,800 square foot store closed nine months later, but Kennon hoped to save the flagship store in Carytown.
“It started to turn around, but the debts from West Broad were too great and I was just out of energy.”
Kennon invested $100,000 in the first store and around $70,000 in the second.
For a last minute clearance sale, Kennon sent out word that the Carytown location was shutting down, which piqued the interest of former customer Christa Donohue’s interest.
“I sent out postcards saying we were closing and she came by the store and asked if I was interested in selling.”
Kennon closed the Carytown shop at the end of November and within three weeks had sold the store and remaining inventory to Donohue.
Since November, Kennon has been working as a financial services advisor for Union First Market Bank, but said she will stay on to help Donohue for the next six to 12 months.
“I plan to help her as long as she needs me.”
The new store is set to open mid-March.
Kennon said she’s sad about turning over the store, but the decision has been a good one.
“I’d rather see it continue in the same direction with a different tone than not to exist at all.”
“I’d love to see Christa re-energize it to take it back to where we were in 2006 when it was the only place you would want to go shop when you’re pregnant.”
She has joined the Tenant at Cary Court and we are delighted!