By Rick Winterson

     Karen Stanley brings a lifetime of retail experience, taste, and creativity to "Karen's Boutique II" at 647 East Broadway. In addition, she has a well-deserved reputation as a tireless worker, both at her boutique and as Vice President of the South Boston Chamber of Commerce.

     You may remember Kay's Clothes, located where Radio Shack is now. Karen Stanley got her start there. She has worked in women's retail clothing sales ever since.

     Karen is the daughter of Jack and Catty (Canavan) Stanley. Catty, of course, was the proprietor of the well-known "Catty's Country Selection" before she retired, so retail is in Karen's blood. Or maybe it's in her DNA. She has two sisters - Janet and Christine - and a brother, Jay.

     After graduating from Cardinal Cushing, Karen went to work full-time for Kay's Clothes. It was a family-owned business that had expanded to 11 stores during the nearly 50 years of their existence. Over the next 15 years, she worked her way up, becoming the operations manager for all of the stores, which by now were located in South Boston, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and several nearby suburbs.

     When the owners of Kay Clothes retired, Karen and a partner opened up a chain of stores under the brand name "Whispers". The chain extended from New Hampshire, through Massachusetts, and into Connecticut. "Whispers" had a novel niche - brand name clothing for $15 or less. This required highly skilled and professional buying, as well as expert operations and sales management. Karen's level of retail expertise was growing by leaps and bounds.

     In 1998, she took a couple of months off. She ran into Rosemary Powers, who at that time was the Director of Boston's "Main Streets" programs. Rosemary persuaded Karen that East Broadway could use a women's store featuring eclectic, up-to-date selections of clothing and accessories - in other words, a boutique.

     As it happened, the veterinarian who occupied the storefront to the left of Catty's Country Selection moved out in 1998. In late November, Karen moved in. She officially opened "Karen's Boutique" on December 6, 1998. Happy Seventh Anniversary, Karen. December 6 is also the feast day of St. Nicholas, so Merry Christmas as well.

     When Catty retired in 2001, Karen expanded her boutique into Catty's original quarters. But the uncertainty caused by the 9/11 disaster, coupled with a soft economy, necessitated that she consolidate into one store. "Karen's Boutique II" at 647 East Broadway was the result.

     Karen believes that small retail operations must focus who they are and whom they serve. She focuses on designer brands with a chic look. She carries seasonal items that are casual and "spontaneous", a word Karen particularly likes. Karen's customers can put on her clothes and accessories in the morning, and then go anywhere for the rest of the day.

     Right now, browns and pearls are back, along with distinctive "big" jewelry - check out her line of pendants with colorful gemstones. However, in Karen's view, fashion isn't as important as dressing according to your own individual style. Unlike large stores, she doesn't sell simply to make a sale. In her words, "We give one-on-one support. It's like a family here."

     Something is working well at her boutique. Around 70% of Karen's business is from repeat customers. People passing in the street recognize a person who wears the distinctive scarves she purveys. Newcomers stop in every day, and are amazed at what she has on hand. One quite young customer said, "You have cool stuff - now we don't have to go to the mall." There are VIP sales nights and her patented "you pick the sale" every day. She often serves refreshments.

     In her spare time, Karen dates and socializes. She loves the theater and Barry Manilow - we won't hold that against her. But more than anything, she's devoted to her work with the South Boston Chamber of Commerce. This takes upwards of 20 or 30 hours a week, but Karen is a firm believer in the future of South Boston's small businesses. As for the results of her Chamber work, well, just recall the Fall Street Festival or take a look at the decorated wreaths on the poles along Broadway. Karen's Boutique was also selected to participate in the recent Laboure Christmas House Tours.

     Oh yes, Karen provides what nowadays is virtually a lost art - personal shopping. Stop in sometime while you're walking along Broadway and ask her about that service. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Karen's extended Christmastime hours are MON-TUE-WED-FRI-SAT from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.; THU, 10 to 9 p.m.; and SUN from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Her phone number is (617)464-4026.