Ashley’s Attic – A New Look & Location…Same Fabulous Fashion

On the very last day of March this year, my fabulous friend and occasional cooking and bargain shopping partner in crime, Ashley Gillit, found out her lease to Ashley’s Attic on North Tejon (here in the Springs) wasn’t going to be renewed. It was most likely due to her last big $5 sale and all the loud squeals of delight coming from her customers as they snagged bargain after bargain. Ok, I totally made that up…ha! She did find out though that her lease wasn’t being renewed and that she was going to have to find a new location for her store.

• Ashley explained that Colorado College, which owns her space, will most likely be turning it into something fabulous for their students or staff.

Ashley messaged me the day she got the news and at first she was, quite frankly, stunned, and in a bit of a daze. I think it took her a few days to fully comprehend that after almost exactly four years after opening her place, she was going to have to move. Not only would she be leaving her building, but also the other businesses around her and the relationships she built up with their staffs. The college kids who popped in during a break or the women who could walk over on their lunch break. Ashley’s a person who makes friends with everyone she meets so it was kind of like when you move out of a favorite neighborhood…you miss the house and the neighbors.

Ashley’s Attic is a woman’s resale boutique where unique and affordable fashion collide! Founded by a dynamic mother/daughter duo in 2013, both of whom I’m happy to call a friend.

But…onward she went, finding a wonderful new space, and in no time at all, transformed it into her space that is everything and more the old shop was. Located at 723 North Weber, suite 103, it’s literally minutes from the Tejon location. I took a peek the day before she opened on June 1st and loved it!

Here’s a look at Ashley’s new Ashley’s Attic Store. (She wasn’t totally ready for business as they were finishing up with the last details so excuse any cleaning products or vacuum shots!) And even if you’re not in the area, you can always check out items Ashley features on her site and if you see something you like, she’ll ship it to you.

Like I said, the new location is at 723 North Weber, suite 103, which is on the side of the building. There is free parking out front on the street with more free parking in the back. (Take Dale or Monument to the alley.)

Two helpers that day included Ashley’s dad Chuck, who can pretty much do anything and everything with a hammer, some nails, and a paintbrush, and her good friend Amy.

While the store is about the same size as her last place, it’s laid out differently so it has a totally different feel and flow. One of Ashley’s favorite things about her new space is all of the natural light that pours through the unique 1900’s windows. “Lots of natural sunlight so it’s definitely a ‘happy’ place to be in.”

Ashley shared, “It has a ‘at home’ feeling due to the fact it’s in a house. From the porch to my front door to those unique windows, it’s an absolutely different look. It’s light and bright and I personally feel as though it puts off the vibe of boutique.” I couldn’t agree more!

One thing that did make the “final cut” and into the new place. (The deer.)

Ready for summer with all her “new” merchandise.

I personally thought the building was bigger because it seems like Ashley can fit a lot more merchandise on the racks and there are lots of nooks, walls, and spaces to check out.

Here’s a blooper shot where I forgot there was a mirror nearby..

Ashley admits she already misses the kooky brick wall and the sounds of the nearby deli at her Tejon place. (I’m going to miss running to the deli for a bite, along with a glass of wine, if my shopping jaunt lasted extra long!) But, she adds, she has quickly fallen in love with her new space and its harmonious atmosphere.

After four years as a business owner I asked Ashley if she felt “seasoned” now. “I’d hardly call myself a ‘seasoned’ business owner but moving and literally starting all over again didn’t feel as daunting as it did four years ago,” she told me. “I have more knowledge on the overall process from buying new inventory on the spot, to picking out what will appeal to my customers, and just knowing how to navigate the day-to-day operations.”

The “new” Ashley’s Attic is open for business and stocked with tons of fun and fabulous items for summer. She’s still open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

“Four years later and I love that my customers know me and I know them. Everyone is greeted with a smile and most likely their first name. I’ve also realized I really enjoy what I do, who I meet, and the relationships I’ve built. For those reasons right there, I’ve continued in a new location versus shutting down. Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Ashley my friend, I am so darn proud of you! Your flair for fashion, your thriftiness, your determination, not to mention your generosity, big heart, and gentle soul. You are not only a smart and talented business owner but a loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend. Much luck for continued success!

If you want to read about Ashley’s fashion background, hear how we met (she was a stalker,) or see her old place, check out my original article from four years ago…

 

https://www.719woman.com/fashion/ashleys-attic-opens-tomorrow-in-colorado-springs-upscale-thrift-consignment-store-whoohoo/

And here’s Ashley’s info –

https://www.facebook.com/ashleysatticcoloradosprings/