Firefly Boutique opens in Downtown Springfield

Just like a firefly lights up the night, Firefly Boutique is opening as a new bright spot along Fountain Avenue in Downtown Springfield.

The stretch of mostly food and drink stops - Fratelli's, Winan's Chocolates & Coffee, Le Torte Dolci, Stella Bleu Bistro and Salato Deli - combined with a couple retail shops, including Champion City Guide & Supply and Alcony Weavers across the street, the boutique promises to diversify the options of what Downtown shoppers can find when they visit.

"I have lived here in Springfield for 20 years, and we have a need here for clothing," Firefly Boutique Owner Kristine Baggs. "We have a need, and I can provide for that."

Located in the updated Olive Kissel Buildings, which are owned by the Turner Foundation, Firefly Boutique had to wait for the building space to be freshened up before it could open. With its updated flooring, refinished walls, and new woodwork, the store feels both new and hip, full of trendy clothing and accessories, while retaining the historical vibes present throughout Downtown Springfield.

Baggs described the styles sold in the shop as "elevated casual," with which women could, for example, wear a top to work with dress pants and then dress down the same top with a pair of jeans to go out.

The clothing and accessories in the boutique are also flexible for women of all ages, she says. Moms and daughters or groups of friends coming together to shop should all be able to find options that feel appealing to their style interests at any stage of life.

The store also offers a wide range of prices with clothing items from $24 to $100, so customers ranging from "Wittenberg (University) students to women with established careers," she says, all can feel confident they can find something they can afford. 

"We want it to be somewhere you can shop to feel special, but the price point is good," she says. 

The store currently carries sizes extra small through extra large, but Baggs says she will look to adjust sizes, styles and more as she sees where customer interests are during the first few months. Those interests and wants will influence future inventory.

Beyond clothing, the racks and shelves are filled with everything from hats to handbags and jewelry to hair clips. There are candles and a few home decor items that shoppers could find to fit gifting needs.

And, Firefly Boutique will be offering a wish list service, where customers can make a list of their favorite items in the shop before an upcoming holiday. Then, loved ones can come purchase surprise items that the customer wanted.

The boutique also will offer personal styling hours for anyone interested in a shopping assistant to help them pick out pieces that work well together. And, group events - like a girls night out or  - can be booked through the Firefly Boutique website.

Also on the website, shoppers can find a listing of upcoming events and promotions. 

Firefly Boutique is hosting a soft opening today from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., which will lead into a busy upcoming week. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony with complimentary champagne is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 4. A Cinco de Mayo party will start at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 5, with a $5 off $50 promotion and complimentary margaritas. The shop will celebrate its official grand opening starting at 5 p.m. during First Friday on May 6. And, Mother's Day specials and a pop-up shop at Mother Stewart's Brewing Company will fill out May 7 and 8.

Details about upcoming events are also available on the shop website. 

"We wanted to create an experience for women; where people can come to feel special, so we've paid a lot of attention to detail in everything we do," Baggs says.