Women’s apparel retailers in downtown Conway say proximity to similar businesses, long-term relationships with customers, and personalized service continue to shape how they operate in a changing retail landscape.

Marty Lefler, owner of Lefler’s, said having multiple women’s boutiques downtown benefits both customers and retailers by increasing options within a walkable area.

“We have always felt that having more women’s boutiques is better for everyone,” Lefler said. “Customers can have a specific need and with more stores there is a better chance that they will find what they are looking for.”

Lefler’s has operated in downtown Conway since 1958 and remains a family-run business. Lefler said his daughter, Brooke Lefler Ludford, is now his business partner, making her the third generation to operate the store.

“My daughter, Brooke Lefler Ludford, who is now my partner, is the third generation to operate Lefler’s,” Lefler said. “We have grown up in downtown locations and this store has been on Oak Street since 1958.”

Lefler said one of the key differences between independent boutiques and national retailers is the level of service customers receive. He said employees at Lefler’s focus on helping customers rather than sales volume.

“In simple terms, help,” Lefler said. “Our employees are focused on helping customers and are not paid on commission. They truly want to help.”

Lefler said building trust with customers is a central part of that approach.

“One of the most rewarding connections is trust,” he said. “We want our customers to trust us, and we back that with a flexible return policy.”

That trust also informs the store’s buying strategy. Lefler said the store emphasizes quality items that remain relevant beyond a single season.

“We at Lefler’s try to focus on quality, and that requires that trends need to have a longer life and not just be for a single season in the current year,” he said. “Our hope is that it would be something you would want to hang onto and be relevant next year also.”

Erin Hohnbaum, owner of E. Leigh’s, opened the boutique’s downtown Conway location in 2013. The store was the company’s third location in Arkansas.

Hohnbaum said downtown Conway already felt familiar to her. She grew up spending time in the city and shopping downtown with family members, and she said opening a store there carried personal significance.

“Downtown Conway has always been such a vibrant, welcoming community, and it’s been incredible to watch it transform over the last 13 years,” Hohnbaum said.

She said what stands out to her is how downtown continues to evolve while maintaining a sense of continuity.

“What I love most about Downtown Conway is how it continues to evolve while holding onto its roots,” she said.

Hohnbaum credited the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Downtown Partnership with helping support that balance. She said the mix of long-standing businesses and newer retailers contributes to downtown’s character.

“There’s a sense of continuity with long-standing staples like Bob’s Grill, Jenifer’s Antiques and Lefler’s,” Hohnbaum said. “That mix of tradition and progress gives downtown such a special charm.”

Hohnbaum said many people may not realize the amount of work involved in operating a retail apparel business. She said business ownership requires managing multiple functions simultaneously.

“I think people would be surprised by just how much cash flow, heart, time and strategy go into running a retail business,” she said. “From buying and forecasting to managing teams, social media and customer experience, it’s truly a blend of art and science.”

Hohnbaum said while fashion is often seen as the fun side of retail, the day-to-day reality involves constant adaptation.

“Trends shift quickly, and every day brings new challenges,” she said.

She said shopping local extends beyond the transaction itself.

“When you shop local, you’re doing so much more than buying something off a shelf,” Hohnbaum said. “Every dollar you spend at a local business helps support local jobs, local causes and the overall growth of your city.”

Like Lefler, Hohnbaum said the presence of multiple boutiques downtown helps create a shopping destination.

“When an area has several quality boutiques and local businesses, it gives people a reason to come, explore, and spend time there,” she said.

Mirinda Davis, owner of Kindred Mercantile, said being located near other women’s boutiques has helped create a sense of community among businesses and customers.

“Being in the downtown community and surrounded by other like businesses aids in the draw for customers into our market,” Davis said. “It encourages community and builds not only the relationship between the businesses, but also a feeling for our customers of small-town charm.”

Davis said Kindred Mercantile focuses on personalized service and styling.

“When you shop at Kindred, you are family and you feel that,” she said. “We provide a personalized styling service that is custom to you, with a mature, experienced staff.”

Davis said staff members consider both physical fit and personal lifestyle when helping customers.

“We understand both women’s bodies and emotions,” she said.

She said many customer relationships extend well beyond retail transactions. Davis described one regular customer whose visits are part of a routine connection with the store.

“This is the connection we provide at Kindred,” Davis said.

Davis said one of the most rewarding moments in her work is seeing how clothing can affect a customer’s confidence.

“The light up in their eyes and the sass in their step is how you know you’ve really hit the mark on achieving that mission,” she said.

Davis said the decision to locate downtown reflects a commitment to supporting local businesses and preserving long-standing community connections.

“We understand the personal connections and the importance of keeping small businesses alive for our city to thrive,” she said.