Corner Closet Boutique changes owners

If energy and attitude are crucial in the success of a business, then the Corner Closet Boutique in Medical Lake should do just fine under its new owners.

Peg Asbury, along with partner Annie Cherry, recently took over the business located at the corner of Lake and Lefevre streets in the center of Medical Lake.

Asbury bubbles with enthusiasm for the adult clothing store, which is a partnership between longtime friends. "We just bought this from Jen Tappero who had this little shop for nearly five years," she said.

Asbury's husband Fred, a jet mechanic, retired from the Air Force after 25 years service in 2013. The two Missoula, Mont. natives established roots, and have been in Medical Lake since 2003.

After transferring to Fairchild from Tampa, Fla., Asbury thought they would move back to Montana. "But we got too lazy so here we are."

Cherry worked previously in the Teen Challenge Thrift Store and for Fred Meyer for 25 years before that. She brings a wealth of retail experience to the endeavor. "She's hopefully the brains behind the operation," Asbury said.

Cherry and Fred Asbury went to high school together in Missoula and have been friends for over 30 years. Cherry recently returned to Medical Lake after living in Sequim, Wash. for a few years, "So the timing just all worked out," Asbury said.

The business has walls full of hanging racks of gently used clothing for both women and men.

Asbury calls it a "higher end consignment," store. "We try to take in nicer things; we do consignment or we offer customer store credit," Asbury said.

"We have all the nice brands like American Eagle, Anne Taylor, the higher-end brands," Asbury said. Nothing is over $20.

Tapparo dabbled in children's clothes but Asbury wanted to stay away from that market.

She said they would like to add more inventory but they need more room first.

A better possibility, however, might be initiating a monthly farmer's market, Asbury said. She has been talking to Medical Lake Mayor, John Higgins, who would like to see that as a summer fixture.

The shop draws customers from across the West Plains, Asbury said.

They also play a part in the community giving that seems to be so ever-present in Medical Lake with donations of clothing being made to a number of charities. "We have a heart for the homeless shelters and the Union Gospel Mission," Asbury said.

Corner Closet Boutique is located on the corner of Lake and Lefevre streets. Business hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. To contact Corner Closet Boutique call (509) 599-7656.

Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.