BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
Gypsy Soul
Looking for that one signature piece that defines your personal style? Savvy locals know that they need look no further than Gypsy Soul. Readers recently named Gypsy Soul the best clothing boutique for the unique, distinctive merchandise they’ve come to expect to find.
Owner Sue Schwartz was looking for a new location last year when space became available in the newly constructed retail building located at 3450 Liberty Dr. The 5,400-square-foot store not only offers plenty of customer parking but Gypsy Soul, Gypsy Tribe and Gypsy Dreamer are now consolidated under one roof.
“More space is wonderful,” says Schwartz, who enjoys working with her daughter, Chanel Schwartz, and daughter-in-law, Elle Schwartz, who are both involved in the business as well.
She got her first taste of retail after opening her own store at the age of 20. “Business runs in my blood,” Schwartz says, noting that her parents ran a restaurant while she was growing up. When she moved to Springfield 21 years ago, she opened the downtown art co-op Studio on 6th and later sold the business. “I wanted to get back into boutiquing,” Schwartz said. “I want to end my career the same way I started it – owning a boutique.”
Gypsy Soul is divided into three sections. Gypsy Tribe carries children’s items, while Gypsy Dreamer caters to a younger fashion demographic. Gypsy Soul is the only retailer to carry Lululemon athletic wear, a fact that Schwartz is proud of. “I worked hard to bring it to Springfield,” she says.
The store also carries work by local artists, many whom have been with her since she opened Studio on 6th, in addition to clothing, jewelry, shoes, home goods, books and children’s items.
“We offer one-stop shopping,” says Schwartz, who caters to customers of all ages. She spends a lot of time searching for the next new trend. Her regular customers know she carries cutting edge merchandise and new items arrive every day.
Schwartz and her staff listen to their customers and love dressing women of all shapes. “We tell the truth,” she says. “When a woman walks out, we want them to feel good about themselves.”
Schwartz says she’s always ready to talk, share a hug or lend an ear, and she strives to create a fun, caring environment for her customers. “I’ve made lots of good friends,” she said. “I’m having a great time.”
