Bellefonte business owner hopes to ‘meet another need’ in the community with new boutique
With the opening of a new baby and toddler boutique in Bellefonte, one Centre County business is proudly expanding right in its own backyard.
On Friday, Thread Baby Boutique opened its doors at 135 W. High St. The shop is the second such endeavor for owner Emily Boone, who opened a women’s clothing storefront, By A Thread, in November 2020.
After recently moving By A Thread to a larger space at 115 W. Bishop St., Boone saw an opportunity to offer a new service to the community while repurposing her shop’s original location.
“The inspiration behind opening our second location, specifically a baby and toddler boutique, came from conversations with our customers and their needs,” Boone said in a statement. “A lot of customers were struggling to find pieces for their children that were both complementary to what they wanted to wear and of higher quality than what’s available at big box stores.”
Thread Baby will sell items for both boys and girls while placing an emphasis on gender-neutral options, Boone said. The boutique’s current inventory carries clothes sized between newborns and 24 months, but the shop will eventually offer clothing for older toddlers.
For now, Thread Baby’s hours run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
When Boone first opened By A Thread, she felt she was taking a risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, nearly two years later, local officials say her businesses are the latest example of small-town success.
“Small businesses bring innovation to the community, stimulating economic growth. By A Thread and Thread Baby have both filled economic retail gaps in Bellefonte,” said Jennilyn Schuster, Downtown Bellefonte Inc.’s main street manager. “Emily is incredibly talented and driven. We are lucky to have her in Bellefonte.”
While Thread Baby is now open, the boutique plans to kick into high gear with a grand opening in July. Boone says her business would not have been able to “plant its roots” in Bellefonte without local support.
“It means the world to me to be able to bring another small business to Bellefonte,” Boone said on Friday. “The reception and support we receive from our customers and other businesses have allowed us to continue to grow and meet another need here in our community.”
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