Celeste Saltzman couldn't handle the day-to-day of being home after her children grew up and went to college. So the former stay-at-home mom went looking and found a new way of living through retail.
Eight years ago, Saltzman opened
Retail Therapy—a clothing boutique in Saginaw—and relocated to Okemos in 2012 when her physician husband got a job at Sparrow. In January 2016, Saltzman moved the fun shop for women's fashion again—this time to Lansing's Old Town.
"It's my own personal learning environment," says Saltzman. "This place keeps me on my toes and keeps me young. I feel focused. It's my cure for the empty nest."
While a 'cure' for Saltzman, Retail Therapy is a solution for fashion-conscious women seeking fun, eclectic and comfortable fashion.
"I describe it as a place where we sell clothes young women would wear and their mothers would steal from them," says Saltzman.
The 1,300-square-foot store in the first block of Turner Street carries a mix of American and European clothing that Saltzman says is on the arty side, but not "over the top." She's constantly rotating inventory, and she sources from companies that allow her to order small quantities so she can offer customers something truly unique.
"It's mostly what I call 'play clothes' that you can throw on and look great," Saltzman says. "You'll look pulled together when you're just out running errands."
Premium clothing includes Alembika—a line from Israel—and Comfy USA—a line made in California from soft fabrics that wash, pack and travel well. Retail Therapy also carries premium denim with patented fabric that stretch but won't stretch out, as well as a well-fitting leggings that coordinate with a variety of tops.
Retail Therapy opened in February after an initial move-in and remodeling in January. Saltzman installed new flooring and lighting, built dressing rooms, and freshened up back-of-house areas. The shop employs two part-time people as well as an assistant to help with business aspects.
"I try to keep things small and manageable," says Saltzman.
Source: Celeste Saltzman, Owner, Retail Therapy
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
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