Lady Ashley Designs Transitions to Web-Only Store
The brick-and-mortar location will close May 26.
After two years at the River Run Preserve shopping center, Lady Ashley Designs is making a transition.
On May 26, owners Elizabeth and George “Randy” Sullivan will close their brick-and-mortar gift shop on Temple Terrace Highway and move all sales to their redesigned website.
“It was just time to make a move,” Elizabeth Sullivan explained.
She said several factors led her and her husband to the decision, including the need to take care of their aging parents, their lease expiring, and the struggling economy.
“Because of the way the economy is, we can’t hire someone to take our spot here,” Sullivan said.
The move to the web-only store will also allow them more time to travel. They have family in Texas, New York, Maryland and Virginia.
The Sullivans still plan to be a big part of Temple Terrace. Elizabeth Sullivan is running for the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce Board. She said she wants to stay active in the Temple Terrace community and help other small business.
“I think that the chamber’s a very worthy organization to be involved with,” she said.
Board member elections are this month. Members should look for their ballot in the mail and return it to the chamber office. New board members are installed in August.
The Lady Ashley Designs website, which has been around for as long as the store, will feature the gift shop’s jewelry and custom items, as well as collectibles from Jim Shore, Precious Moments, Willow Tree and Foundations.
“We’re trying to focus on custom floral wreaths, custom arrangements and custom jewelry,” Sullivan said. “I’ll do appointments.”
They’re changing the look of the website “so it will have more pop to it,” she explained.
Items that won’t make the transition to the website include stuffed animals, mugs and art. They’re tougher to store and ship, Sullivan said. Lady Ashley is having a Transition Sale—30-50 percent off these items—until the physical store closes its doors. The Sullivans are also offering 70 percent off seasonal merchandise.
And because they won’t have to be manning the check-out counter at all times, they’ll be able to participate in shows, such as the Temple Terrace Woman’s Club’s Spring Boutique, Sullivan said. She has a “Square” credit card reader, which plugs into her phone and allows her to make transactions anytime, anywhere.
“We’re not closing,” Sullivan said. “We’re transitioning.”
Lauren Tice
9:56 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Always been a big supporter of Lady Ashley Designs, we will miss your store Elizabeth & Randy but know the website will be successful :-)
Pam Pepin
1:54 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Hey Elizabeth & Randy,
I Absolutly Love your store.... You have very unique items there but I didnt get to shop around the Holidays when we were there for Santa & Ms. Claus. You have a lot of cool items then, in between the children & going to the bathroom (I know TMI) but I just want to wish you much success in your transition. I know the website will be awesome.
Cheri Donohue
6:42 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Talk about thinking outside the box! Great idea and a nice way to stay in the community.