The three retailers’ stories profiled here all go to show one thing: People like doing business in Lansing. In fact, the owners of Grace Boutique, Little by Little Unique Children’s Boutique and the Student Book Store are all looking forward to a bright spot in the holidays—which are now upon us.

A chance opportunity in Lansing credits tremendous community support for its success. Grace Boutique in Old Town offers classic women’s apparel. “It’s the type of clothing you can pull out of your closet in ten years and still be excited you have it,” says Summer Schriner, owner of Grace. Schriner, an attorney by trade, opened a business with her best friend while in law school but left the partnership after finding that it was too much to do both. It wasn’t long before Schriner reconsidered her career decision and returned to Grace. “I love Old Town. The community is so supportive. People come in and say they’ve found things in my shop they couldn’t find anywhere else—not even in big department stores.”

Schriner says the store was built around one of her favorite and most popular items—a red crocodile handbag selling for $298. “That’s the style I really like and that’s the cornerstone of the shop.” Although Grace carries some men’s items, like tie sets and money clips, it mostly offers women’s fashion. Inventory shipments, which Schriner says arrive every day, include one-of-a-kind items from all over the world. “I don’t order many pieces of each item so things go out the door pretty quickly.” The store is now gearing up for the important holiday shopping season with a special event on Nov. 20 to offer early shopping to clients. “Our customers can enjoy cocktails and truffles and help in finding the perfect gift or holiday dress in a relaxing way.”

Grace Boutique has escaped the economic downturn relatively unscathed. Schriner says she was both financially and mentally prepared for problems going into business. “When the economy really started to take a dive, I just focused on getting my act together and keeping things running smoothly.” She says the company has not only remained in the black, but is also showing growth and credits dedication to her customers as making a real difference. Schriner has no regrets about the personal sacrifices she’s had to make to keep her business thriving. “I can’t complain. I love what I do and wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

Little by Little Unique Children’s Boutique

Three years ago Kathy Little and her family were sitting around a pool wondering what lay ahead. With her two daughters through college, Little was at a crossroads. “I was wondering what I should do with the rest of my life,” she says. It didn’t take long to come up with a suggestion. “My family told me it was time to follow my dream and open up a child’s boutique.”

Four months later, Little had secured a location and was on her way to bringing red carpet fashion to the mid-Michigan area.

Little by Little Unique Children’s Boutique in Okemos offers everything from specialized diaper bags, priced from $130 to $320, to unique blankets, selling for a mere $75. Even those looking to welcome their new baby with a hint of Hollywood can purchase the exact style of crib Jennifer Lopez bought for her twins. “There are no stores in the area that carry anything like I carry,” Little says. While Little offers unique accessories, the biggest sellers are children’s clothing—future fashionistas as young as six months can show their style for all to see.

Little carries about $175,000 in inventory at any given time and is frequently buying more items. “The reason I have to buy so often is because I sell out of items and I’m constantly reordering.” She says the upcoming holiday season is especially important since children’s clothes don’t have a very long shelf life. “Unlike women’s styles thatcan go from year to year, children’s clothing changes constantly. There’s always something new and they sell out quickly.” Boy’s clothing has been the exception. Even rare sales on the items can’t attract business prompting the elimination of the line this fall.

Little says despite the current economy, her business has been constant. “Business could be better, but I honestly believe a recovery is out there.” Little has clientele from all over the country but wishes she had more support from the local community. “The number of those shopping locally has fallen off dramatically in recent years. I wish people would realize you don’t have to go to Detroit or Grand Rapids to buy unique things. You can buy them right here and support your own community.”

The Student Book Store

“I never even imagined I’d own a business,” remembers Howard Ballein. “It seemed like an impossible dream.” But nearly a half century later, Ballein now runs one of the largest college bookstores in the country, one that is an anchor in the East Lansing business community.

The Student Book Store began as a start-up back in 1960, replacing a record music shop across from the Michigan State University campus. Despite being an Ohio State University alum, Ballein saw the potential green in the green and white. “Tailoring a business to students is about three things: location, location, location. All successful stores have good locations.”

The bookstore has experienced significant growth under Ballein’s direction. He doubled the size of the 2,000-square-foot facility within six months of taking over, then expanded again. The building is now 23,000 square feet with an additional 15,000 square feet for storage and receiving. “When I started the business, I had no idea I would eventually own the whole block.”

Although 70 percent of Ballein’s business involves the sale of textbooks, apparel is also a big money maker, especially this time of year. “I have folks coming from all over the state to buy green and white stuff,” he says. Ballein estimates 20 percent of his business is due to Spartan football. While he expects to make a decent profit during the holiday shopping season, a little luck on the gridiron would give his business a welcome financial boost. “The better the season for the Spartans, the better the selling season for me.”

Ballein admits the economy has affected business and he is concerned about the future. Despite the economic downturn, business has remained strong and there are no plans to sell or close up shop. But Ballein is realistic about the future. “Enrollment at MSU has been declining and the Internet could eventually make stores like mine obsolete,” he says. “There was a time when 12-inch record albums were big—and that has certainly changed.”