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'Ooh La La,' A New Retailer Comes to Falls

Adorable is affordable at a woman's boutique, which is branching out to Menomonee Falls and opening Saturday.

 

A new store opening Saturday on the busy corner of River Crest Drive and Appleton Avenue in Menomonee Falls may have some customers saying, “Ooh la la.”

Of course it’s because the store is called “Ooh La La…Accessories,” but the store’s selection of women’s hand bags, jewelry, scarves and other accessories may have some customers making a similar exclamation.

Owner Kim Riley, of Hartland, initially opened the first Ooh La La location two years ago along Main Street in downtown West Bend. The Falls location, at W176N9356 River Crest Dr., is her first expansion venture.

Riley said the motto at her store is, “where adorable is affordable.” Of the numerous tables filled with bracelets, handbags, hats, scarves and other accessories, one would be hard-pressed to find anything above $50.

“I know there’s a market out there right now for reasonably priced accessories because not everyone in today’s economy can afford to purchase a whole new outfit,” Riley said. “Sometimes purchasing a few accessories can update an outfit, and women are happy doing that.”

Riley chose to open a second location after business boomed to the north in West Bend. Nestled amongst Panera Bread, Starbucks and Noodles and Co., Riley’s business is in one of the busiest daytime locations in the village. She’s optimistic that the Falls location will experience a similar boom.

“The West Bend store has taken off so fast and done so well, I knew I wanted to add another location,” Tiley said. “Over the past 10 years, Menomonee Falls has really expanded, and I think the area can handle another business like mine.”

Despite having a big-box retailer like Target just seconds away across the street, Riley said she can go toe-to-toe with any large retailer’s prices. Riley added that all her items are rather unique – so you won’t bump into someone with the same new necklace.

“The store is also color-coded. Each table has a variety of accessories grouped by their color, rather than the product itself,” Riley said.

For years, Riley was a stay-at-home mom, but had a background in fashion. Once her daughter left for college, Riley decided to get back into doing what she loved and opened her first store in West Bend.

And despite the negative reports circulating about the economy and its effect on small business, Riley said her business is thriving.

“I’ve been fairly surprised by the success so far,” Riley said. “But it’s about keeping products fresh and new, finding something you haven’t seen before and but keeping it at the right price point.”

Riley will be open for her first official day of business from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, which will be her normal Saturday hours. Ooh La La will also be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Related Topics: New Business, Ooh La La, and Women's Accessories

Jennifer Hennes

8:28 pm on Wednesday, October 19, 2011

I love the store in West Bend! It is awesome that she is branching out to the Falls!

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Jennifer Hennes

8:32 pm on Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Love the store in West Bend, will be an excellent addition to the Falls. Congrats on the expansion.

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Becca

10:25 pm on Saturday, November 26, 2011

Loved the items at the store, but who I believe is the owner was rude both times I went. I want to support small businesses but don't want to deal with the condescending attitude so I'll stick to Target.

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Ooh la la...accessories

3:29 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012

Becca, I wish I would have come across your comment long ago. I just stumbles on it today. I so apologize for the unpleasant experience you had both times you where in. My goal as a small retail owner is to offer the best customer service I can at both my stores. I value every person who walks through my doors. My name is Kim if you would be so gracious to call the Menonomee Falls store 262-253-5559 and leave your number, I would really value your feed back and how we can improve everyones shopping experience. Thank you again for your comment, I do value them. Kim

Courtney

9:54 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2013

Just went to the store in the Falls for the first time tonight...LOVED IT! The jewelry was beautiful! Not the mention the handbags....HOWEVER, the lady who helped us was extremley fake friendly and kicked us out of the store and 8:03. The store closing was at 8:00. My mother was about to make a pretty larger purchase, but when we got the boot, we questioned whether or not we will return to the store. Very disappointing I must say. Proper customer service would not allow any more customers in after the closing hour, but would not kick anybody out who is still shopping. Of course, I could understand if it was getting really late...but 8:03...come on!!!

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