This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at DePauw chapter.
Meet this week’s Her Campus profile, Lauren, the owner of Cricket’s Unique Boutique, located right past Marvin’s and just before the post office. They offer a wide selection of women’s and children’s clothing, gifts, stationary and plenty of accessories. It’s the perfect last minute outfit destination located right at your fingertips without the hassle of leaving Greencastle. Keep reading below to learn how Cricket’s sprung up and what great deals they have in store for you!
Her Campus: Hi Lauren, thanks for meeting with Her Campus! We know you’re busy running Cricket’s, but we would really love to know how you came up with the idea of starting this unique and quaint store?
Lauren: I am a Greencastle native who moved away for five years to attend college. After graduating, my family brought me back home. I knew that I wanted to be a part of the community, I just wasn’t 100% sure where that passion would lead me.
HC: Downtown is certainly glad you moved back home and brought such a cute store! So we are all wondering, why the name “Cricket’s?”
L: When I was growing up we had a Maurice’s, Boca Loca Bead Store (my favorite place to blow my allowance) and Bright Futures, which had a lot of games, cool coloring/craft items and educational materials. I used to LOVE going to these stores and it was a real treat when my parents or grandparents took us downtown. Now, having a child and nieces and nephews of my own, I want them to experience the same special times shopping in a quaint downtown shop. The name came from my late Grammie. She had eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and had a nickname for all of us, so you guessed it! Mine was Cricket because I used to rub my feet together when I slept. Without her encouraging me to come home in her last couple of years, I wouldn’t have the shop, that’s for sure.
HC: That’s so great that you’re bringing your favorite childhood memories and traditions to others while also turning it into a passion! What types of products do you sell in your store?
L: Cricket’s has a wide array of clothing that appeals to a diverse crowd. We have shoppers from middle school all the way up to the age of 85. We are just trying to maintain the shoppers who have found Cricket’s on their own and continue to carry items they like. I also do a lot of blog reading to try and keep up on local trends. Currently we have 40% off racks in the shop and are preparing for our summer line too!
HC: From the looks of your website, social media and talk on campus, you have been a hit with all who have come across Cricket’s! Who are your usual customers?
L: Our sales have been about 50/50 between the community and DePauw. Lots of people have asked about why my advertising efforts have not been more extensive, but for me, there’s something special about stumbling in a little store for yourself and then telling someone else how much you fell in love with it. That is my hope for Cricket’s. We did a launch before the store opened with a lookbook and I had DePauw students model. So much fun! We will continue to do that in the future. I’m also always interested in pairing up with organizations, like sororities on campus, or offering jobs or internships for local residents or students!
HC: Love that! Stumbling upon a store like yours that’s such a hidden gem and then sharing that discovery with those you know would love it too is a special concept. Lastly, what are your hopes for Cricket’s in the future?
L: My hope is that locals can have a place to find clothes that make them feel good. I want DePauw students to feel like they have a place that they can grab a fun outfit for a last minute occasion. I also want people to know that there are efforts being made to revitalize our small town and make it great again. But that revitalization starts with us investing in our own community. It’s so easy to hop online or run to Indy to shop when we have resources in town, it just takes some effort to look.
HC: Sounds good to us! Thank you so much, Lauren!
Make sure to stop by Cricket’s and shop local, and follow them on social media!
Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 5pm- 9pm
Saturday Noon-6pm
Sunday noon-4pm