Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyson Garland.
Hi Alyson, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2008, I opened the first version of my boutique, Dot Dot Dash, in the DeMun neighborhood. The shop originally was geared toward stay-at-home moms who needed a casual wardrobe to spend days at the park and cooking up meals. I also designed clothing for children that had multi-language messages embroidered on the front in hopes that kids would learn a phrase or two from cultures outside their own.
As our children grew, so did my concept for the store. Moms were going back to work and they were looking for clothing to fit their evolving lifestyle. We moved Dot Dot Dash to a new location around the corner in DeMun and we began a new journey providing clothing and accessories for modern women of varied backgrounds, whether going to work, heading on a trip or raising a family.
With potential for construction in our original neighborhood, I decided to move the shop to a new, larger location. In 2024, after a brief closure, Dot Dot Dash reopened its current location in the mid-Forsyth business district near Forest Park Parkway and Forsyth Boulevard. Dot Dot Dash continues to be a favorite shopping destination for women seeking on-trend clothing at affordable prices. I am proud to say we’ve had both staff members and customers who have been with us for more than 18 years.
My goal is to fill the shop with a collection of casual, of-the-minute clothing styles as well as jewelry, bags, accessories, and gifts. Dot Dot Dash features a variety of unique brands that are carefully curated for women of all ages. Along with fashion, the shop offers a variety of thoughtful gifts and housewares. Our customers know that when they enter Dot Dot Dash they will find current fashions and receive personal service from our staff.
I am often asked what is the meaning behind the name of the shop. Dot Dot Dash (..-) is mores code for U and Dot Dot Dash is a boutique focused on you!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With each new location Dot Dot Dash grew both in size and variety of products we offered. There are never any guarantees in retail and we faced various challenges including a stock market crash and a pandemic. During the pandemic I hand-selected styles for customers and delivered them to their doorsteps to keep the shop going and my customers well dressed.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dot Dot Dash Boutique. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Dot Dot Dash is known for personalized styling and individual attention to each customer. My goal is for customers to walk out of the store feeling confident and current. Our customers appreciate our honesty and commitment to finding the correct fit and personal style to fit any need.
I consistently seek new brands to bring to St. Louis for my customers so they know the outfits they select will be on style and unique.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The ease of getting around the metropolitan area is a plus for a small business owner. The dreary days of February and the high heat of July can be challenging for a clothing boutique!
Pricing:
- Clothing ranges from $30 to $250
- Jewelry ranges from $15 to $250
- Gifts range from $15 to $85
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dotdotdashboutique.com
- Instagram: @dotdotdash_boutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dotdotdashboutique
