New boutique grand opening Sunday January 27th Noon to 5 pm on Cottage Row, Downtown Oregon City.
This January, downtown entrepreneur, Suzan Clough, is opening her second boutique on Cottage Row (14th Street) in Downtown Oregon City. Ms. Clough is partnering with long-time friend and new entrepreneur Diana Keith in a new business venture they’re calling “Retro Revival”.
The shop at 212 14th Street – one of three cottages on that street – focuses on vintage furniture, clothing, and home goods from the 1940′s to the 1970′s. When searching for a name for their new endeavor, business partners Clough and Keith began running through 1960′s era words that fit a vintage home goods and furniture shop. Originally they were inspired by some Mediterranean style furniture with big brass handles.
“During a brain storm session focused on naming the shop ‘Big Brass Knockers‘ was one name that just popped out.” said entrepreneur Suzan Clough. After three weeks of consideration they decided to use ‘Retro Revival’ as the shop’s name because it more clearly conveyed the theme of the boutique – a mid-century modern vibe with relevant product from other areas.
Retro Revival is the second shop for Suzan Clough on Cottage Row. A year ago she partnered with Tracy Price to run Lavender Cottage at 220 14th Street a “shabby chic” boutique in a charming cottage with home goods, gifts and decorations. As a sister business, Retro Revival purveys a mix of furniture, home goods, art and vintage clothing for consignment and boutique retail.
“Entrepreneurs Suzan, Diana and their shop Retro Revival are a great example of homegrown heroes growing our economy by opening a new complimentary business.” said Lloyd Purdy, Director of MSOC Inc. the organization tasked with revitalizing downtown Oregon City. “These two entrepreneurs have found a niche for success. Suzan realized that the best way for her first business, Lavender Cottage on 14th Street, to succeed would be to ensure there were more reasons for shoppers to visit Cottage Row. By offering another shopping choice she’s planning for success – exactly our approach to economic development downtown – improving business by bringing in more businesses.”
Ms. Clough and Mrs. Keith have been friends since their now adult children were in second grade. They decided to partner together and open the 1,500 sq. foot Retro Revival boutique in order to pursue their passion for shopping, repurposing and recycling. They are hosting a grand opening on Sunday, January 27th from Noon to 5 pm.
“This is a culmination of what we love to do.” said Diana Keith, co-owner of Retro Revival. “I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Now I’ve paired that with an opportunity to immerse myself in what we already love to do.”
According to Suzan Clough, opening and running Lavender Cottage with her other business partner gave her the courage and experience she needed to open a new shop from nothing more than an idea and a market niche she knew needed to be filled in the Oregon City marketplace.