Women's Clothing Boutique Set For Debut Friday In Broad Brook

EAST WINDSOR, CT — After two and a half years of success selling women's clothing online, Broad Brook resident Kari Betancourt is expanding her business by opening a retail store in the heart of the village.

At 6 p.m. Friday, Betancourt will officially open the doors to The Change Co. Boutique at 139 Main Street. Since its construction in 1935, the building has housed a number of restaurants and beverage establishments: Elaine's Pizza, Adams Den, Tommy's, Eisenhower's, to name a few. For the first time, however, a retail store will occupy the site, and Betancourt is thrilled about the numerous renovations that have been made.

"I began thinking about it seriously in early winter, and decided I wanted to be out in the community more," she told Patch during a visit Thursday. "I have a good-sized local following, and this is a great way to allow them to try things on in person. I feel I was missing out on so many people knowing I even existed here in town."

The shop features brand new clothing, all sourced by Betancourt herself, and she takes pride in having nearly all items available in multiple sizes.

"We are size-inclusive, carrying small to 3XL, in sizes from 0 to 24," she said. The shop also carries a variety of shoes, accessories, soaps, lotions, jewelry and home goods.

Betancourt admits to feeling a bit apprehensive about opening a retail location at what is hoped to be the tail end of the coronavirus pandemic, but she and her four employees are ready to plunge full steam ahead.

"I'm not going to lie, it's a little scary," she said. "This is a community for women to come and feel comfortable and feel they are beautiful and amazing how they are right now. No matter their size, their shape, their color - anything."

The store will be open this Friday until 9 p.m, then Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. After this weekend, regular store hours will be Tuesday through Friday from 11 am. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

More information about The Change Co. Boutique is available here.

To register for free Windsor Locks-East Windsor news alerts and more, click here.