Today we’d like to introduce you to Barb Robinson.
Hi Barb, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been in the apparel retail business for 45 yrs, Started as a buyer for high end Dept store in downtown Cincinnati. I opened my 5th store in downtown Beaufort December 2025. I owned 2 stores on Fripp Island for over 20 yrs, but when the resort recently sold my leases were not renewed, so I chose another path by opening an upscale women’s boutique focusing on quality/ classic fashion for women over 50. My commitment is to welcome customers into my store as if they were entering my home. High energy and sincere customer service….something that’s seems to be lacking in today’s retail world. I love what I do and it shows.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth roads don’t teach! World events such as 9/11, recession, covid, and whatever is going on now, can challenge not only your fiancee but your confidence as well. I learned long ago that it’s not the home runs you hit in buying, it’s your ability to quickly react to the mistakes. And every buyer makes plenty pf mistakes!
When I was forced to close my stores on Fripp, it was like a punch in the gut. It was my life. At 65 I had to quit or start over, and I’m not a quitter.
This is a very volatile world we live in now. Retail and apparel manufacturing is completely different from the 80’s when I started. Quality of both goods and services were superior in the apparel industry. Faster and cheaper does not equate to better.
My biggest struggle today is technology! Just ask my staff!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Seaside Merchants LLC dab Beverly’s Off Bay?
Beverly’s is a small upscale women’s boutique, focusing on women over 50. Our mission is to be known foremost for good taste in merchandise and a personal service that is often lacking in today’s retail world. There was nothing in downtown Beaufort that addressed women over 50 with a desire and knowledge for quality timeless apparel. I knew who I wanted to target marketwise. And I knew it wouldn’t happen via social media or online selling. It would take time and word of mouth would be our best advertiser. We are committing to designer trunk shows quarterly where our customers can interact with the designer and obtain that high level of service and understanding of how a product is made.
To date, our best received brands are Hinson Wu, Finley Shirts, Jude Connaly, Kinross Cashmere, Melissa Newton, and more. Footwear has proven to be a hit with lines such as Chocolate Blu, All Black, Koko Palenka, and most recently a line line out of Brazil Kanna Footwear..
We focus on Italian leather handbags such as Hammitt and a beautiful handmade handbag line out of Dallas. And of course jewelry that is complimentary to our merchandise interns of style and uniqueness.
AND…everyone comes to see our English Cream Golden Retriever, Goose!
What matters most to you?
My goal on this most likely last business venture of mine, is to pay the bills and have fun. I know what I want and what I like. I’ve had lots of stress along my 45 yr journey in the women’s retail world. I want to be know for quality, good taste, and superior service. I want to be respected, which has to be earned.
I want my customers to fall in love with me and my little shop, Beverly’s Off Bay. And of course, fall in love with Goose!
Pricing:
- upper end but not high end
Contact Info:
- Instagram: beverlysoffbay
- Facebook: beverlysoffbay
