Dedham Business Returns for Holiday Season

After spending the past nine years in Dedham Square,  Maribu owner Jennifer Gibbs made an extremely tough decision and closed her boutique.

Now just months later, the local business owner has returned to her previous location at 570 High Street, as a holiday pop-up store, and will remain open until Jan. 15.

Patch sat down with Gibbs to learn why she closed and what her future plans are.

Patch: Where are you from?

Gibbs: I’m from Texas, but my husband is from here so I made the move.

Patch: When did you first open?

Gibbs: I bought the Maribu store from the previous owner in 2004.  I worked in wholesale for a company called Ganz, and she was one of my customers. It was just the next chapter for me and it was a great opportunity.

Patch: What is your favorite thing about  working in Dedham?

Gibbs: Definitely the customers, they are the best around.

Patch: What challenges have you faced since buying Maribu in 2004?

Gibbs: The recession in 2008 was a huge impact.  We still haven’t recovered. Legacy Place also added competition.  The Dedham Square construction was also a nightmare.

Patch: Are these the reasons why you closed in June?

Gibbs: Absolutely, the numbers didn’t make sense anymore?

Patch: Why did you decide to open in Dedham Square again for the holiday season?

Gibbs: The idea came to me before I even closed.  My customers asked me, “Where am I going to do my Christmas shopping this year?”   And Pop Up Stores are becoming more popular, and I thought that would be a great idea.  There were several locations I looked into, but I live a block away and I kept my eye on this place.  When I contacted the landlord, he gave me the OK.

Patch: Where do you get your items?

Gibbs: I purchase them from New York.

Patch:  What are some of your newer items?

Gibbs: Well I always carried  scarves, but we have everything from fun colored socks to cheese spreaders.  I’m carrying many of the same items.  I feel like I never left.

Patch: Where did you get your passion for fashion?

Gibbs: It started as a kid.  I’ve always been into accessories.

Patch: Who are your customers?

Gibbs: Mostly adult women.

Patch: What changes have you made over the years?

Gibbs: I used to sell clothing but switched to just accessories.  Accessories are a much better place to be.  Maribu is a place for guilt-free shopping.  It’s a place you can shop without breaking the bank.

Patch: After Jan. 15, what are your plans?  Will you reopen in a new location?

Gibbs: Right now I have no plans and I will wait and see.