Just three months after Ashley Deli took over Round Rock’s Mays Street Boutique in 2020, the world shut down due to the pandemic.
However, just as the boutique temporarily closed its door, another one opened. The gift shop, known for selling women’s apparel, gifts and accessories, used the down time to make changes and keep up with the fast world of digital shopping.
What happened?
Mays Street Boutique was established in 2013 by Ashley’s mother-in-law, Sandy Deli. When Sandy was ready to retire, Ashley decided to leave her corporate job to pursue her passion for fashion and people.
When starting, Ashley said it was important for her to build on the same relationships Sandy had formed within the community while still growing the business.
“Before the pandemic, we did everything on a cash register—we wrote receipts out by hand. It was hard, especially during busy times like the holidays,” Ashley said.
On top of automating their sales systems, Ashley created a new website for Mays Street, allowing them to begin selling to customers across the country.
Now, the boutique has amassed a large social media presence, with nearly 12,000 followers on Instagram and 13,000 on Facebook.
Why it matters
Despite the convenience of online retailers like Amazon, Ashley said her customers appreciate shopping local because the buying experience is more personal.
“It’s not just a place to shop, it’s an experience … It’s spending a little extra time to leave with a gift that you feel really proud to give,” Ashley said. “When you walk into a boutique, you don’t know what you’re gonna get, because it’s always different depending on the owner.”
Another detail
Mays Street carries a variety of popular designer brands like Kendra Scott, Gorjana, Jon Hart, Brumate, Capri Blue and ENewton, along with handmade, artisan wares.
Occasionally, the boutique will allow pop-up vendors to sell within the store to give small local businesses a chance to reach more customers.
What’s next
Nov. 5, Mays Street will partner with other women-owned businesses in the city to host its second annual Rockin’ Around the Rock, a Christmas-themed giveaway event. Shoppers who stop at every participating store that day can enter to win a gift raffle.
“I think it’s important that we support each other and stick together,” Ashley said. “It’s not about competition because we all sell different things, you know. There’s enough customers in Round Rock to go around.”
