The Home Store Expands in Dexter, Adds Boutique Clothing Line

In an era when small retailers are increasingly folding under pressure from big-box stores, a pair of Dexter-bred entrepreneurs are bringing their fashion-saavy sense to the downtown community.

The Home Store, located at 8122 Main St., recently completed a massive remodeling of its interior and will now carry purses and jewelry in addition to its current home furnishings.

The business expansion is the brain child of Dexter resident Laura Keefer, who is partnering with store owner Cathy Swan.

"The women's boutique is really a store within a store," Keefer said. "I have always wanted to own my own business, and this is a great way to build on something that's already established in the community."

Keefer said she and Swan transformed the basement of The Home Store into a  show room with products designed by Cork, as well as a wide selection of women's clothes and apparel.

"We've been on a buying spree and now we have a lot of inventory to move," she said. "Our key was finding items that you can't buy in the mall or in the immediate area. It was important to us that the expansion bring something unique to Dexter."

Swan, who is celebrating her ninth year in business, said she is looking forward to the new venture.

"Business is going very well at The Home Store. I am very pleased with our customers in Dexter," she said. "We have to have retail here to help the village grow. By adding more selection to our inventory, our goal is to make Dexter a destination place to shop."

The duo is planning a grand re-opening for the store on March 22, and will rename the business Main Street Home & Apparel. It will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 734-424-9140.