Shop Local: Serendipity

Some people simply love to shop.

Maybe it’s the thrill of the hunt, the joy of finding that special piece or the relaxation of simply browsing.

There are plenty of people who understand the feeling.

For one local woman, it was that love that inspired her to open her own store, which soon turned into two.

“I just love, love, love what I do!”

Michele Bosscher is creative, she’s got a great eye, and a personality to match.

Her skill-set made her newest career of store owner a no-brainer.

“I love to shop. They ask what my background is in, how I came to learn the business. I say I’m a 49-year-old professional shopper,” said Michele.

When she opened her first store in Cadillac, she took those years of experience and created her vision.

“I know what I love about shopping, it’s a comfort thing. It’s where I can go and not be bothered and look at all the pretty things, and sometimes buy them and sometimes not, and that’s O.K.,” explained Michele.

Less than three years later she opened a second store in Big Rapids.

“I never dreamed of a second store, and it really happened, although I took it very cautiously. Doors continued to open, so I kept stepping through them. Next thing I knew, I looked back and, holy cow, what’s going on? Now I have two!” said Michele.

The new store has more clothes and shoes and fewer gifts than the Cadillac store, but some things haven’t changed.

“The stores have the same vibe. Although they are different, we shoot for the same thing and that’s just customer service and having a fun place to be,” explained Michele.

Serving customers who are also friends and neighbors gives her a leg up when choosing what goes on her shelves.

“Developing relationships in these smaller communities, it’s part of a heartfelt thing. It’s recognizing people when they come in. You get to know your customers and get to be able to kind of hand-select for them,” Michele told us.

But whether you walk out with something new or not — for Michele, it’s all about the experience.

“If we can help somebody find what they’re looking for in an outfit, great, so be it! If not, we just want them to feel good when they leave for whatever reason,” said Michele.