BACK & BETTER. Iris Boutique has called Chippewa Falls home for more than a decade, but after a freak roof collapse it had to seek a new location.

After an overnight roof collapse in June on Chippewa Falls’ Bridge Street, small business Iris Boutique was left without an operating storefront. Thanks to community support and a whole lot of elbow grease, the local boutique has made a comeback and officially reopened on Oct. 2 in a new location.

The roof of the apartments above Iris Boutique’s former location, 120 N. Bridge St., caused the living space to cave into the storefront below, leaving the storefront unfixable. Thankfully, no one was in the building when the disaster occurred, though it led to irreparable damage for the building’s inhabitants.

Boutique owner Leah Ritchie recalled most of the damage occurred in the back half of the shop and the basement, which served as a storage area and break room. Fortunately, a wall they had installed a year prior shielded most of the inventory on the main floor, providing protection from the collapse. Items the boutique lost in the destruction consisted of tools, furniture, antiques, and unfortunately, its retail space.

From day one, the support from the community has been incredible, starting with the volunteers helping us clear out our new space, shopping our sidewalk sales, and numerous offers to help in various ways during the setup of the store. –Leah Ritchie, Iris Boutique owner

Most of the shop’s inventory was salvageable but no longer deemed suitable to sell in-store. Due to this issue, Iris Boutique hosted a three-day garage sale in the parking lot of the Main Street of Chippewa Falls building, featuring over 3,500 pieces. The sale was a success, locals selling out the sale within a day and a half. 

The community in Chippewa Falls showed their true colors, coming together to help in any way they could. “The outreach was outstanding. We were blown away by the kindness and support that the community has shown us,” Ritchie said. “From day one, the support from the community has been incredible, starting with the volunteers helping us clear out our new space, shopping our sidewalk sales, and numerous offers to help in various ways during the setup of the store.”

After four long months of putting in significant remodeling and moving efforts – working day and night to transform the old Lucy’s Eatery into the new storefront – Iris Boutique has started a new chapter at 117 N. Bridge St., right across their previous location. This swift turnaround wouldn’t have been possible without the help of volunteers and neighboring local businesses that extended a hand to support them. 

“We hope that women enter our store feeling welcome and cared for. We strive to make our shop a safe place where everyone feels special,” Ritchie explains. Iris Boutique is officially welcoming the community back into their space with open arms.

Stepping into the new storefront, the effort poured into it is undeniable. The cozy and inviting atmosphere of the store radiates from the walls and the details, a warm and welcoming backdrop to the main attraction: the clothes. 

Whether you’re looking for basics, denim, statement pieces, accessories, or other women’s apparel in sizes S-3x, Iris Boutique has a wide selection for you to choose from. The store’s chic new autumnal vibes pair perfectly with a festive fall day in the Chippewa Valley.

Iris Boutique (117 N Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) is open Monday-Wednesday from 10am-4pm, Thursday and Friday from 10am-7pm, and Saturday from 10am-5pm • Keep an eye on the shop’s Facebook for any updates and shopirisb.com for its soon-to-reopen online store