Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
November 15, 2007 issue
Clover—Blowing Rock’s New Upscale
Clothing Boutique and More
Fresh. Pretty. Lucky.
Story by Sam Calhoun
Clover may seem like a random name for Blowing Rock’s newest upscale clothing and accessory boutique, but not if you ask its owner Jessie Dale—there are actually many reasons behind the name.
For one, Dale’s mother habitually wore a four-leaf clover necklace when Dale was growing up and “she instilled this creativity in me,” said Dale. Also, Dale is a four-leaf clover collector herself, estimating that she has more than 200 four-leaf clovers—100 of which she found last summer as she was opening Clover at 110 Sunset Drive—that will soon find their way into frames and be hung in the store.
The clover also refers to Dale’s luck in opening her own business at such a young age.
“I feel just so lucky to have what I have and do what do,” said Dale, 31.
Dale opened Clover on June 25, following many months of preparation. Dale didn’t just go out and purchase expensive display racks for clothes and jewelry; she made them with the help of a friend who works at Lowe’s Home Improvement.
Dale purchased metal bars usually used for fencing and transformed them into clothing racks, using smaller ones for jewelry racks. Bricks from her yard became stands for handbags, and furniture from her home found new placement at the shop.
“I, or a friend, did everything around here,” said Dale. “We make something out of nothing all the time here.”
But the display is not what’s most important—it’s the product and selection.
Dale describes her stock as “boutique originals at one-of-a-kind prices.” Clover carries clothing by Rebecca Taylor, Trina Turk, Rachel Pally, C & C California, Splendid, Christopher Deane, Cary Lynn Calter and French Connection, as well as six lines of jewelry—including items from two local artists—all sorts of shoes, handbags from four designer lines and gift items. More gift items are arriving in the coming weeks, just in time for the holidays.
One employee, Natalie Schwan, assists Dale at her store. And don’t forget the store’s mascot Greda—Dale’s dog, best friend and one of the driving factors behind the store’s opening.
“I actually just wanted a job where I could bring my dog to work,” said Dale.
A native of Avery County, Dale attended ASU where she majored in communication disorders and psychology. During that time, she also became licensed as a massage therapist.
After graduating, Dale decided to stay in the High Country.
“Why would I leave?” asked Dale.
She took a job at Boone’s Gladiola Girls and fell in love with the world of fashion retail. After two years at Gladiola Girls, Dale felt the itch to go it alone.
“I really, really liked it and I wanted to do my own thing—something more upscale,” said Dale. “And I really liked Blowing Rock.”
So without much money and without taking out a loan, Dale brought Clover to life.
“I just made it happen, of course with the help of some friends,” said Dale.
And many locals and visitors are glad that she made it happen. According to Dale, Clover appeals to women between the ages of 18 and 65. She sees a lot of locals, second homeowners and college students.
Most of the products in Clover are priced between $100 and $300, but prices range from $15 note cards to a $750 handbag.
Dale prides her store on offering “exceptional customer service,” both while customers shop in the store and after. Dale often follows up with her customers after they make a purchase to see if they are content.
Dale also has a large out-of-town clientele. Many customers who discover Clover while on vacation call Dale and order new merchandise in lieu of making a trip to Blowing Rock. But Dale is so in love with her new adoptive town, she has no idea why someone wouldn’t return.
“Blowing Rock is such a great shopping town—it’s fantastic,” said Dale. “There is something for everyone and it’s worth the trip.”
Next time you take a trip to Blowing Rock, stop in and see Dale and Clover and Greda. She has no plans to move—only to expand.
Clover is located at 110 Sunset Drive, Suite 1 in Blowing Rock and is open every day. For more information, call 828-295-0552 or click to www.shopatclover.com.