Community Corner

Asiye's Boutique Bids Goodbye to Guilford To Focus On Madison Store

After 9 years of business in Guilford, Asiye's Boutique has left it's spot on the Guilford Green as owner Asiye Kay focuses her efforts on the store's newly renovated 4,000 sq. ft. expansion in Madison.

 

After nine years in Guilford in a prime spot on the Guilford Green, Asiye's Boutique closed its doors for the last time earlier this month after Asiye Kay, the owner, decided to focus on her recently expanded business in Madison.

When the boutique opened the Guilford location in 2004, Kay loved the spot on the Guilford Green, but she was always on the hunt for a larger store.

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"When we moved into Guilford I loved so much about it," Asiye told Guilford Patch. "The business model was great, the location was beyond incredible, but I wasn't a big fan of the size of the store. I was looking from day one for a big fashion location where I could house all my inventory, my office, and have the appropriate sized space for all of my business.

Asiye said it took her nine years to find that perfect location, but the recently renovated expansion in Madison, located at 757 Boston Post Road, has become just that.

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The Madison store has become her base of operations not only for her retail business, but for her work with the community. On Sunday night, she and other Madison business owners hosted Oscar Night in Madison, with proceeds to benefit a scholarship fund. On Monday morning, she was up early to appear on WTNH-TV to talk about Oscar Night fashion.

"At one point in time, I had 4 stores running, including the Guilford store, along with one in Old Saybrook, Madison, and another location," Asiey explained. "That was a big burden for me and for my customers. They needed to go to all these different locations to see all of our available inventory, it just wasn't convenient for them."

"The new Madison space let's me have everything in one place," she continued. "I have 3 floors available and I can house all of my inventory, my office. We also have 7 fitting rooms, and have plenty of space to display the dresses by color, and then by size. And I can do all my work right there, without running around to multiple locations."

Since the new space has opened, the owner said she's gotten better feedback from her customers as well. "This is just more convenient for them," she concluded. "I have a huge inventory and now they just have to come to one location to see everything. It gives them a better experience, and I can provide great service."

As far as the now empty space on the Green, Asiye says that there is a potential new tenant that is waiting in the wings, but due to contractual obligations, she couldn't discuss any details. 

In a notice posted in the window of the space Asiye thanks Guilford for all her great years of business in the town, and invites Guilford patrons to their new spot. It reads:

Thank you Guilford for 9 wonderful years. We appreciate your support and thank you for your patronage. Visit our newly renovated 4,000 sq. fr. boutique in downtown Madison...


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