AW Spotlight
LadyBugs Boutique of Wellington
Bargain Prices in a Boutique Setting
By Krista Martinelli
Have you ever wanted to shop in one of those adorable children’s boutiques, but found that you were afraid you wouldn’t be able to afford the prices of the carefully- folded little items inside? Welcome to LadyBugs Boutique of Wellington! It truly looks like an upscale children’s boutique. “I love when customers walk in and reach the back of the store before they figure out it’s a consignment store,” says owner Waleska (Wali) Sanchez. Yes, that’s right — LadyBugs Boutique is an upscale consignment store which recently opened their doors in the heart of Wellington.
For every item that comes through the doors of this adorable consignment shop, a customer would have paid as much as 60% more at a retail or outlet store. “These are terrific bargains that our local moms and dads are getting,” says Wali. “And that’s an awesome feeling – knowing people can come in here and stock up on about 15 items and pay only $50. It’s really what motivates us to provide these products for customers.”
As Courtney, the President of the Wellington Mom’s Club says, “It’s by far the best…so cute, so adorable!” It’s located in The Courtyard Shops of Wellington, right next to The Tutoring Club of Wellington, at 13860 Wellington Trace, Suite #5. A key to LadyBugs’ success has been the chic and modern shopping experience they provide in a fun and inviting boutique-style shop. You will not find overstocked merchandise or messy shelves.
How do they manage to keep LadyBugs so uncluttered and so beautiful on the inside? Wali reports that she turns away about 50% of the items that people bring in for consignment and has strict policies about the condition of clothing and other items. “We’re not the biggest around. Instead we keep it under control at this size, uncluttered. We give phenomenal one-on-one service to each customer,” she says. Wali, her husband and her 17-year-old son Danny are all very friendly and happy to help customers find exactly what they want.
“I don’t advertise much other than AroundWellington.com,” says Wali.
As a sidenote, her 7-year-old daughter Sofia writes a monthly recipe for kids for AroundWellington.com called “Sofia’s Yummy Treats.” She relies most heavily on word-of-mouth and AroundWellington.com to get her message out, as well as their own LadyBugs Boutique of Wellington Facebook page and text messages to regular customers’ cell phones (sign up at the store for these).
You can find all sorts of merchandise at LadyBugs, including: children’s clothing, maternity clothing, maternity accessories, items ranging from newborns to teens, quality toys, room décor and more. “We are passionate about providing quality clothing,” says Wali. She points out that you could buy a new $30 shirt at Macy’s for your child (and it will be worth almost nothing as soon as it’s worn for the first time). Or you can buy multiple items at LadyBugs for that same price.
“For me personally, it’s all about the clothes,” she says. “I can sell you a trendy Janie & Jack item that costs $70 retail for just $20.”
As for toys, they focus on those unique, hard-to-find items including the durable, wooden Melissa & Dog toys, Leap Frog products, the V-Tech learning toys and other unusual items. “I clean everything that walks in the door – first with a Clorox wipe and then thoroughly again,” says Wali. “I have found an outlet for my OCD now!” she laughs. “However, I have to admit our clients are extremely good about preparing their items before they are brought in for consignment,” she says. Electronic toys brought in for consignment must have batteries.
When Wali Sanchez opened the store in August of 2011 at the Courtyard Shops of Wellington, she took a leap of faith. “I had no retail experience, only people experience from my background in legal,” she says. “I’m still learning every day.” Wali did a lot of research about the consignment business, finding that it’s a 15 billion dollar business and growing steadily. “In consignment, it’s all about finding a great location and providing great customer service and quality products.”
“Ask me how I can help you get a new wardrobe for free,” says Wali. She loves the idea of helping people to consign their old items and use that income to buy a new wardrobe or other necessary items.
Selling on consignment at LadyBugs Boutique is a bit different than at your average consignment shop. At other shops, after 90 days it’s usually “return or donate,” says Wali. “Here we are so selective about the items we do accept that items stay on sale for as long as it takes to sell.” And 40% goes to the consigner. For select furniture and baby gear, that profit is 50%. LadyBugs pays its consigners once a month. Another option is getting store credit, which allows you to get 20% more on top of your balance.
LadyBugs Boutique of Wellington is open for business seven days a week. Monday thru Friday from 10am to 6pm. Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Sunday from Noon to 5pm. They have 50% off sales on a regular basis and stay open later hours for these events. “I send a text message or an email to our customers a couple of days ahead of time, so they can plan ahead,” says Wali. Stop by or call LadyBugs (561) 790-7990 to get on their list.
What do customers say they like best about LadyBugs? They like the organized, clutter-free shop that smells good and is inviting. Most of all, they are happy about the level of customer service. “We have neighbors telling neighbors about LadyBugs,” says Wali. She explains that in a small village like Wellington, there’s a personalized level of service that people still enjoy and it’s not something you will find, for example, at a mall.
LadyBugs is a family-run business. Most likely you will see Wali, her mother-in-law Maria, or one of their three kids when you shop there. Wali and Ricardo are the proud parents of three – 17-year-old Daniel, 7-year-old Sofia and 2-year-old Valentina. The older two siblings help out quite a bit around the store. The youngest one is at the store almost everyday during the week, usually busy testing out the toys or modeling the clothes (as pictured above).
If you buy a gift at LadyBugs, you can also add gift-wrapping – and they do a beautiful job. The label on the gift will say “LadyBugs Boutique of Wellington,” which always sounds nice on a gift item.
LadyBugs Boutique of Wellington is the place to go – if you’re looking for great bargains on children’s, teen or maternity clothing or other related items! You can also call ahead to find out if they have a particular size or item, seven days a week.
LadyBugs Boutique of Wellington
Upscale Boutique
Maternity, Teen’s & Children’s Consignment
The Courtyard Shops
13860 Wellington Trace, #5
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 790-7990