ONEIDA, N.Y. — The name of Jennifer Bailey’s new clothing store in Oneida sums up her hopes for the business venture — that every woman who walks into Worthy feels just that: worthy of looking and feeling her best. “A place where all women can feel welcome,” is how Bailey describes her premium and designer […]
ONEIDA, N.Y. — The name of Jennifer Bailey’s new clothing store in Oneida sums up her hopes for the business venture — that every woman who walks into Worthy feels just that: worthy of looking and feeling her best.
“A place where all women can feel welcome,” is how Bailey describes her premium and designer boutique at 767 Lenox Avenue. “I want to empower women to look good and feel good,” she says.
The shop features a variety of clothing, jewelry, shoes, bags, hats, and more. Many items are brand new. Any used items are in excellent condition, Bailey says.
“You’re not going to find anything big box here,” she notes. “Everything I have here is authentic.”
Bailey was inspired to open the store after moving to Oneida last June. She previously operated Back in Motion Massage and Wellness in Sidney in Delaware County but has since rented the spa location out to another therapist.
“I need a change,” Bailey says. “I wanted to be near water.” After moving to Oneida, she enjoyed the lake views, but found herself struggling for a place to shop without having to travel. That’s when the idea for Worthy was born.
When Bailey found an available 1,500-square-foot space to rent from Mike Smith of Smith Flooring and Paint, it was a done deal.
“There was a need in the market, and I’m filling that need,” she says.
Bailey began to acquire her inventory and worked on setting up the space with furniture and pieces found at estate sales. “I was able to create the environment and atmosphere I saw in my mind’s eye,” she says of the space.
Worthy opened its doors on Feb. 5, and the response has been good so far, Bailey says. “People are excited; they’re intrigued; they’re appreciative.”
To make her designer pieces accessible to all, Bailey has items at a variety of price points. She also carries clothing in sizes 00 to 3X so that everyone can find something that makes them feel great, she adds.
Bailey held a ribbon cutting in February with the Greater Oneida Chamber of Commerce. She has done some print advertising and is active on both Facebook and Instagram to reach current and potential customers.
In the future, Bailey hopes to add special events like a sip and shop night or inviting in retailers for products like jewelry or aromatherapy.
Currently, Bailey is the only employee and isn’t sure if or when she might hire others since her focus is providing a personalized customer-service experience for shoppers.
She hopes to be able to partner with a nonprofit organization serving women in need and provide clothing to the organization to help women elevate themselves.
Worthy is currently open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.