Bodacious Babes Boutique marks fifth year and tenth grand opening

OGDENSBURG - How does one celebrate a fifth anniversary and a grand opening at the same time? Donna Amerman, owner of Bodacious Babes Boutique, a consignment shop with clothing for sizes 14 through 6X, can tell you how. In the business for five years, she clears the store every six months, brings in entirely new merchandise, and has . . . a grand opening. “There is no other place like it because we specialize in plus sizes,” said Amerman. She estimates as many as 1,000 consignors are registered with her, with 400 active contributors providing varied merchandise on a consistent basis. And varied it is. “We add about 10-15 feet of rack space daily. That’s 60-70 items per day,” she said. The choices may include career wear, sportswear, outerwear, intimate wear, evening/after 5 wear, maternity, bridal, or uniform. Working alongside Amerman are her mother, Roseann, and Dana Pietrodangelo, a nursing student at Sussex County Community College. As customers trickled in, it was obvious that all were regulars making repeat visits, and because items change daily, repeat visits yield the best bargains. As a result, Amerman is on a first-name basis with many of her clients. “It’s a very nice shopping experience; I usually find more than a few items,” said Cathy Smiley, who is a real estate agent. “There are terrific things at incredible prices.” Many items still display original store tags. With only two “seasons” - spring/summer and fall/winter - the shop closes for two weeks to refresh and refurbish. On the last day of each season, items are marked down 75-90 percent, and the remainder is sent to local charities that include churches and nursing homes. A successful businesswomen and computer program instructor, Amerman said she developed her talent for shopping from her mother, having been “raised in outlets.” She continued, “I have an innate ability to recognize value. I know the product, the brands, the names.” According to Amerman, her store affords the opportunity for women to shop for larger sizes in a boutique atmosphere while saving money on designer brand merchandise - brands like Liz Claiborne, Jones of New York, Ralph Lauren, Jordan, Dana Buchman, Eileen Fisher, Tomotsu, and more. A selection of jewelry includes both new and previously owned items. Scarves designed by local artist and author, Robin Lennon feature colorful, reversible patterns with suede or feather trim. There is also a small selection of collectibles and houseware items that Loody Tamboer of Hardyston is particularly interested in and visits often, “Because she has the best stuff.” Amerman says that all items undergo rigorous scrutiny saying, “We are very fussy.” Acceptable consignments need to meet certain criteria: new with tags, new without tags, or items that look like new. “It’s a great way to recycle. I’m constantly in a state of change to make it better for everyone,” she said. Amerman schedules Ladies Night two or three times a season, where make-up demonstrations add to the activities. “All the women who come through here are just incredible women,” she said. “The events we schedule focus on women for women.” Amerman recently added a “Missy’s Closet” for sizes 0/XS through 12 that is stocked by a limited, fixed number of consignors and cannot accept additional items at the present time. For information on becoming a consigner, visit www.bb14.com. Gift certificates are available. Bodacious Babes Boutique is located at 366 Main Street South (Route 517), Ogdensburg 07439. For information, call 973-827-4815.