Lady Ashley Designs Transitions to Web-Only Store

After two years at the River Run Preserve shopping center, is making a transition.

On May 26, 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,” 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.

still plan to be a big part of Temple Terrace. Elizabeth Sullivan is running for the 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 , 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.”