Neighborhood's newest retailer offers colorful clothes, high-end designer labels
Five Points welcomed a new boutique into its retail community two weeks ago when Petal, an upscale women's clothing store, opened its doors for business. Petal moved into Sid Nancy's former location (the edgy thrift store moved into a new home two doors down from its previous location) and the space is unrecognizable.
The Five Points location isn't the first Petal store. Owner Jammie Dean opened the first shop in Charlotte and had been looking to launch a Columbia store for a long time.
"We had been looking at Columbia for a few years, but no spots ever came open in Five Points," Dean said.
Debbie McDaniel, owner of popular Five Points shops Revente and Sid Nancy, told Dean about the open location.
"We knew it was the one for us," Dean said. "I love the high ceilings and the open floor plan. We jumped at the chance the second we heard. And we are beside [Greek Store & More], which we love!"
Petal's pristine white walls and color-coded clothing racks can be easily spotted from across the street by pedestrians and drivers alike who are passing through the Five Points shopping district. The store's name is printed on the door in fancy silver cursive script and mannequins in the window model the shop's latest arrivals, from multi-colored printed chiffon dresses to sapphire blue evening wear.
Hannah Stubbings, a third-year public health student and Petal employee, said college students make up a large portion of the boutique's clientele.
"Lots of girls come in looking for dresses for sorority events [and the] Carolina Cup that we just had," Stubbings said.
Dean said Petal's clothing can appeal to a variety of demographics.
"We try to have pieces that are timeless, outfits that can work on everyone and last season after season," Dean said. "Our clothing can work for the college gal on a budget, a mid-20s professional, a 35-year-old stay-at-home mom and a retired businesswoman on the go."
Stubbings said Petal's clothing prices range from around $28 to $88 dollars. Accessories like bold sunglasses, whimsical wallets and fabric-covered iPad cases ring up a little less than that.
While Petal carries some high-end brands, Dean aims to keep prices reasonable.
"We carry some designer brands in the store such as Amanda Uprichard and Yumi Kim, but mostly everything is under $100," Dean said. "We travel all over to find the best pieces at an affordable price."
Some of the store's most popular items are Crow watches, Fornash jewelry, Urban Expressions handbags, Royal Apothic candles, dresses by Curtsey and Echo bags .
Petal's minimalist decor makes the posh boutique seem like the kind of shop you'd see in a big city's shopping district or a fictional fashion emporium only found in television shows and movies. The store is small, and while many Five Points shop owners choose to crowd their racks with as much clothing as they can, Petal doesn't overwhelm shoppers with merchandise.
One of the reasons the racks aren't overcrowded is because the store strives to give customers a one-of-a-kind look.
"[Dean] only orders five or six of everything and once it's gone, it's gone," Stubbings said.
Rachel Peterson, a second-year fashion merchandising student and Petal employee, said many of the styles and brands found at the store aren't for sale anywhere else in Columbia.
"We have dresses that no other stores have," Peterson said.
Dean said Petal gets shipments four to five times a week.
"We keep the product new and fresh daily. We only get items in one time so you don't have to worry about seeing everyone wearing your outfit," Dean said.
Dean said Five Points has been welcoming of its new addition.
"I love the feel of Five Points and the way everyone is close-knit, like family," Dean said. "We protect each other, send customers to other stores around us and help each other whenever needed."
Dean plans to hold a grand opening event near the end of the month. The event will feature discounts and giveaways like gift cards and VIP shopping cards. More information on the event will be announced next week.
Dean suggests that shoppers who haven't checked out Petal yet stop in soon.
"We feel so loved here already," she said. "Thanks to everyone who has shopped with us so far and, if you haven't been in yet, we welcome the chance to meet you."
Petal is located at 743 Saluda Ave. The store is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment only on Sundays.