BLOOMING ONCE MORE. Iris Boutique has had a heck of a small biz journey these past couple of years. Owner Leah Ritchie pivoted to online-only methods of retail sales for a few months, after a ceiling collapse and relocation stint on Chippewa Falls' Bridge Street (pictured), and is now back in town with an in-person location at Market On River.

On Aug. 7, Iris Boutique opened their doors back up in the Market On River (128 W. River St., Chippewa Falls) – a multi-use building owned by the Wisconsin Farmers Union and designed to host a small businesses and restaurants, events and more.

Over the past 17 years, Iris Boutique has become a staple for shoppers in the  community. The boho inspired, women’s apparel-oriented business strives to bring in the latest styles that make you stop in your tracks, said owner Leah Ritchie. 

Though their journey has not been easy, it is definitely not over.

Since 2020, Ritchie has endured three storefronts, multiple construction-related damages and constant renovation.

After moving out of their space on Bridge Street in January, Ritchie said she had to find a new way to keep the business alive. Her customers suggested starting a Whatnot page to livestream a bidding experience for large online audiences to shop her inventory.

The Iris Boutique Whatnot page has grown to over 12,000 followers and has shipped to all 50 states, as well as Canada. Ritchie said she typically expects at least 100-150 viewers watching and purchasing items for sale, each livestream.

“I think really cultivating a connection and making people feel important and seen and genuinely caring about every single person that comes through my door (makes the difference).”

LEAH RITCHIE

owner, iris boutique

Jackie Boos, facilities director for the Wisconsin Farmers Union, said Ritchie has been a loyal customer at  Market On River since its opening. She's a regular at Hiker Coffee and visits with other small business owners in the building.

When a first-floor vendor space opened up there, Boos said she knew exactly who to call – “the boutique boss.”

“Downtowns and communities thrive on storefronts, but what she was doing was so successful online that it was almost like a pipe dream then for me to be like, ‘would you come here?’ ” Boos said.

Yet, when Ritchie got that call, she said she felt it was time to bring Iris Boutique back to the community that had kept her business going for over 15 years.

 

Women's attire ranges in sizes small to 3XL and includes fits from regular, curvy to tall. (Photo via Facebook)

 

Iris Boutique now operates an in-person space (again) for shoppers, located at Market On River in Chippewa Falls. (Photo via Facebook)

Though the layout is smaller than its former brick-and-mortar spot in Chippewa Falls, shoppers can still expect to explore the newest weekly inventory and try on styles in their two fitting rooms.

With sizes ranging from small to 3XL, fits from regular, curvy and tall, Iris Boutique strives to offer the best experience for every customer, Richie said.

“I love being able to offer a space where people can come and just have a moment to themselves,” Ritchie said.

During the grand opening, Ritchie said she had customers who had been supporting her since the beginning come out to Chippewa Falls and welcome her back into the community.

“I think really cultivating a connection and making people feel important and seen and genuinely caring about every single person that comes through my door (makes the difference),” Ritchie said.

Moving forward, Iris Boutique will continue with both Whatnot and the new storefront at Market On River, giving shoppers multiple ways to find their latest styles.

For all updates with Iris Boutique (128 W. River St., Chippewa Falls) journey follow them on Facebook (@shopirisb) or Whatnot (@shopirisb). Their current hours at Market On River are 10am-4pm Wednesday, 10am-5pm Thursday-Friday, 9am-4pm Saturday and 9am-3pm Sunday.