Mobile businesses may not be ideal for the North Dakota climate, but The Scarlet Gypsy Traveling Boutique is having great success.
They bought a truck, her husband did some work on the inside, she did some painting and then got the artwork completed on the exterior. Heit found some vendors she liked, took a few webinars from the ladies who started that first fashion truck and in May of 2013 she was ready to roll.
She posts new products on her facebook and instagram pages as well as her website. Last winter she rented a storefront at Kirkwood Mall and this year she will be in the lobby of URL Radio in downtown Bismarck, 322 East Broadway from November 1st through the holidays.
Heit receives new items every week. Her inventory includes women’s clothing from small to 3X, jewelry, hats and purses. “My clothing is pretty trendy and I like to order things I would wear. If everyone has it, I will move on to the next thing. I try to have styles that are a little ahead of their time for Bismarck, something unusual.
Heit lets people know where she will be pulling up next mainly by word of mouth and social media. She keeps track of county fairs and small town events around the area. She likes to stay within a 120 mile radius and in North Dakota because she knows what the laws are.
The Scarlet Gypsy Traveling Boutique is available for private parties, baby and bridal showers, or a girls night out event. She also does charity events, where a certain percentage of her sales go to a specific organization.
Heit offers some tips on what is new for fall: fringe, leather accents, tribal prints, chunky knits, slouchy beanies, ankle booties, plaid everything and small delicate jewelry. Last holiday season customers sought out her super soft printed and fleece leggings, chunky knit scarves and boot socks.
To find out where the truck will be next, visit her website at scarletgypsy.com, or find her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @thescarletgypsy.