PATTEN, Maine — With everyone looking for cost-cutting measures, thrifting has become the more economical way of shopping. And, Patten has a gem in the Daisy Boutique at 10 Katahdin St.
“People thrift shop because of the times,” said Wallis McKenney Drew, owner of the Daisy Boutique. “It is just a better way in these economic hard times. I don’t think the economy is doing that well and thrift shopping is really the way to go. You can find practically new items.”
Drew opened the shop five years ago and has continued to upgrade and expand her services.
The Daisy Boutique started out as a blacksmith shop. It was moved across Katahdin Street and connected to the Red Moose building for many years. Before it was moved to its current location, it was an arcade. The floor was removed and the building was placed on a slab just behind the Red Moose. The front was rebuilt and painted to became the Daisy Boutique. The autumn hues on the exterior blended with the rustic decor, background music, an orderly arrangement of clothing, creating a pleasurable atmosphere for shoppers.
“I wanted the store to be something special,” explained Drew. “I wanted to bring some joy to the community, especially the women. I thought if I did a really cute place, had some music going, it smelled good and it was fun to be here, it would be a real joy.”
Drew has thought of informal to formal clothing; accessories and even a play area for children, while mothers shop.
“My business is pretty established now,” she said. “And, the ladies at the bank call it going over ‘to the mall’.”
The Daisy Boutique offers not only women’s clothing, but children and men’s wear, as well. Drew has a $1 rack and most of the clothing is around $4. Some brand new coats are in the $25 range. She gets her clothing from yard sales or people bringing in their second-hand clothing for a store discount or donation.
“I also go to stores when they have sales, so there are a lot of new items in the shop, as well,” Drew added.
Daisy Boutique carries brand name clothing such as Aeropostale, Gap, Osh Kosh, Eddie Bauer and LL Bean.
“I try to have only the best, the really good conditioned in here,” Drew noted. “I also have clothes from Gypsy Rose, which is an old hippie company to really nice clothing from around the world such as India, Nepal, Ecuador and Guatemala.
“I make clothing and purses, too, when I get a chance,” she added.
The boutique is popular among mothers with growing children, as well as those looking for that one-time dress without a high price tag.
“I have a lot of prom and [formal] dresses for those who want something inexpensive for that one time. I try to have a little of everything colorful and fun in here,” said Drew.
For added accessories, the Daisy Boutique carries “Jewelry by Liz,” which is crafted by Drew’s daughter, Liz Allen.
“She is quite popular at the Houlton Community Market in the summertime,” Drew said. “She does a beautiful job. She has a display here at the shop.”
Usually Drew closes the shop in the winter. However, she tried an experiment last year without advertising. She put up a few posters noting she was going to be open in the winter.
“It was very slow and I was lonely and cold here,” she laughed. “So please come in this winter and visit. I am working on getting all the winter clothing out. I have a good range of jackets, vests, pants and even lined ones, as well as sweatshirts, sweaters and warm socks. Everything you need to stay warm is here.”
The Daisy Boutique spring through fall hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With Drew being open year-round, her winter hours will be Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Keeping it all in the family, Drew has just adopted a cockapoo pup named Jasper. For customers who mention Jasper’s name, they will get an additional 10 percent off their purchase.
Drew’s grandparents, Albert and Addie (Kennedy) McKenney, were born in Mt. Chase and Moro. Though she grew up in Harwich Port on Cape Cod, her parents brought their family to Maine.
“I just loved it here,” she said. “So, I decided to come back to Maine.”
Drew is also following in her family lineage.
“McKenney Clothing Store used to be right across the street where the deli is now,” she explained. “So, I am following in family footsteps.”
As far as clothing, Drew has a unique background, as she worked in a leather factory and then made leather clothing and sold it around New England. She operated a couple of retail shops before raising a family.
“At 16, I ran a five and dime store,” she said. “I just really loved that work. And, I made dresses at a shop back in the early ‘70s. So, when I was looking for something to do, this was just natural. I love thrift shops and I am a very fussy shopper. So, things I didn’t like at other thrift shops, I do not have here — that is for sure.”
Anyone who wishes to donate or trade clothing, can call Drew at 267-5671 during business hours.
“I have great customers,” she said. “I have great fun getting to know people.”
And, Drew encourages those in the surrounding area to check out Patten for a full shopping experience.
“This is a great little town. We are so blessed,” she said. “We have a credit union, a bank, a library, a drug store, a beautiful clean grocery store, a gift shop and laundry mat. Richardson’s just opened a garden spot across the street. We are a growing, happy and friendly community and I would like others to partake of that, as well as come here.”
