Ali Disney keeps thinking bigger and better. Around five years ago, she started Italics Boutique as an online store that she was running from her basement in Clarion. Then in September of 2018, she opened a brick and mortar location on Main Street. Now, she has made another move just a block north. And both she and her customers are already relishing the expanded accommodations.
Disney has enjoyed clothes and fashion since she was a kid. The last several years, she has been living her dream as a business owner where she gets to share her passion with others.
In the last year, Disney has experienced a few great changes. She and her husband Kyle welcomed a fourth child, baby Maren. In the following months, Disney took the major step to leave her position as Clarion Chamber Director to dedicate more time to her family and business. Before long, another unique opportunity presented itself.
After almost 40 years in business, owner of Mister G’s clothing store, Larry Guth, decided to retire and close his Main Street location, leaving it available. The store front is in a prime location, situated at 102 N Main. It’s right on Courthouse Square, viewable from Highway 3, and in the thick of the downtown action. It is also a large space, with three levels that can be used for merchandise.
Disney admits that before the location became available, she wasn’t looking at expanding. But she quickly saw many upsides. She notes that her former location was getting pretty tight. The space in the old Mister G’s location was definitely a draw. She also said the increased visibility was huge. Many more people daily would drive and walk by this location. The huge front windows also presented enhanced display opportunities. “The move just made sense in the end. We looked into it and the benefits outweighed the costs,” said Disney.
After they took the plunge, Disney, with the help of her husband, got to work in the new location spiffing up the space. They did a lot of painting and added new carpet and wallpaper. They updated the bathroom and dressing rooms. She said, “In the end, it was a lot of work but fun too.” She eventually opened the new, larger Italics Boutique in mid-January.
Disney is excited to offer her customers even more of the great merchandise they have known her for through the years. She has plenty of trendy tops, pants, shoes and accessories. She was also thrilled to be able to expand her stock and carry some great brands that Mister G’s formerly offered including Slimsation, Tribal, and Charlie B. Italics really does offer something for everyone.
In the future, Disney says she has plans for a few more improvements, including a new awning and some fun signage. She also is planning some exciting events, including something special coming up this spring. With more time for her business, she also gets to enjoy more marketing as well and has even offered her customers the opportunity to come in the store for private parties.
Last Friday, the Clarion Chamber held a ribbon cutting at Disney’s new location. Chamber Board President Jordan Marker said, “We want to congratulate Ali on her expansion and move. It’s exciting for Clarion and for her to have the opportunity to grow.”
Disney hopes new customers and old friends stop by and check out the exciting changes to the space and her brand. Italics Boutique’s hours are Tuesdays 10-5:30, Thursdays 1-5:30, Friday 10-5:30 and Saturdays 10-2.
