Alocal retail staple that created its own online shopping show has finally made its Main Street debut after seven years of consistent growth, the owner says.
The Pearl Antler – a lifestyle and clothing boutique boasting “a lot of glamour, some sparkle and a little sass” – is a labor of love started by Reagan Harris.
Beginning as a traveling- wares concept, with Harris setting up regularly at roving sites about eight years ago, she first landed a brick-and-mor- tar location on River Road in 2016.
When business began to boom after just six months, Harris realized she needed a bigger space, she said.
Moving to a larger location at 312 River Road solved her need for more room to grow, but one dream remained: A Main Street location in Boerne where she grew up.
“Traffic,” Harris said when asked why the move to Main Street was so important. “We have a great local customer base. We have just seen during the events people will not make that turn (onto River Road).”
The new location at 322 S. Main St. also adds an additional 500 square feet for wares, ranging from special-occasion tops and everyday attire to cocktail mixers, which also means it’s easier for shoppers to navigate the selections.
“The other place was an old house,” Harris said. “So, you really had to peruse around to see everything. So, what I really love about here is that we showcased so much here in the front, and all of our jewelry is all in one central, great location.”
Another bonus: Harris now has a space dedicated to filming her local ized, QVC- s tyle videos showcasing all the goods up for grabs. The shows started as livestreamed offerings.
The video component, which the entrepreneur likens to a unique marketing measure, was adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic when businesses were shuttered. Harris said she and her team needed a creative approach to keep the products moving.
As her online audience online grew, so did her need for space to film. Now, her central spot in town has an area dedicated just for that.
“During COVID, I knew had to do something to save our business when they shut us down,” Harris said. “So, I went live once a week, and I was like, ‘This is the only way that’s going to save this.’ That changed our business. I loved it. People loved it.”
While pregnant with her second child, she found herself arriving at the store ahead of her employees to unlock the doors and clean up. With pandemic restrictions easing, Harris has shelved the live broadcasts and tapes them in advance.
“I have customers that go, ‘We miss you going live,’” Harris said. “Even the locals. That’s what was so funny. Even the locals were watching it and swinging by and picking up – not just always shipping.”
She added the store is more than just a place to buy clothing; it’s a neighborly spot to come in for conversation or share some of life’s challenges.
“I love being here. I love seeing our customers,” Harris said. “We often joke that it’s sometimes kind of the coffee shop because people will just come in and chat with us.”
In a way, Harris said the talks she shares with patrons, friends and employees is cathartic, almost like ministering.
“I always say the sales will come,” the businesswoman said. “I want this to be the place that people feel welcome and warm and even if they drop in just to say, ‘Hey’ or bring coffee or whatever it is. In the end, we will be rewarded no matter what. So, I that’s what I want people to know: We are here for everything.”
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