Goodrich- When Tracy Del Duca and her business partner Lynne Phal were in need of a location for their business, Village Furs and Outerwear, they looked no further than their own backyard.
‘We were looking for the perfect area where we would fit in as a little boutique, and we love Goodrich,? said Del Duca. ‘The reason we decided to do this is we love Goodrich. It’s very supportive of its own town. We wanted to put something here that’s never been here before.?
Reflecting that community spirit is Del Duca’s plan to hold off on an official grand opening celebration until the annual Good Times in Goodrich celebration at the end of summer.
‘We want to support the community, we want to be a part of it. We don’t want anyone to feel intimidated,? said Del Duca.
And though some may feel intimidated at the thought of walking into a fur store for the first time, Del Duca said they should feel anything but. In fact, said Del Duca, one major advantage of shopping at a boutique as opposed to a larger retailer is the hands-on assistance that is readily available in such a setting.
Prices range from $100-$25,000 at the store, which carries not only fur coats but also leather and fashion accessories such as purses and jewelry.
Additionally, Village Furs and Outerwear offers storage, cleaning and repair services for furs and leather.
‘If you take care of your fur it will last forever,? said Del Duca. ‘If it’s something that you want to hand down, if you take care of it, you can do that.?
Storage facilities at the store are available to keep furs at a constant 50 percent humidity and 55 degrees.
Another option Del Duca wants residents to be aware of is the boutique’s ability to have an old fur re-styled, or made into fur accessories if it has become dated looking.
Del Duca spoke of families who inherit a fur coat from a grandmother and have the coat made into several fur teddy bears for grandchildren as another option to consider.
A variety of styles are available in the store, with more to come as the seasons progress, said Del Duca. Child and teen sizes and styles are also available, as are gift certificates.
Village Furs and Outerwear is located at 10242 Hegel Road in downtown Goodrich. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Monday-Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Thursday; and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday.
Details: (810) 636-2710.