The Dashery, a well-loved boutique based in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, was established by Mandy Brower in 2017 and has since expanded to a second location in Alexandria. Starting with a humble $2,000 capital, Brower turned her dream into a shopping fixture for locals and visitors through dedication and resilience during its early challenges.
The rapid growth and opening of a second branch within four short years prove the boutique’s high-quality, affordable clothing and excellent customer service. Brower hopes to expand further and digitize its offerings in the future.
The store and its community felt an unfortunate sting on July 22, 2024, when thieves managed to bypass security, stealing goods over $800. Aggravated by the event, Brower cited the financial loss and the disturbance to her loyal customer base as the most significant setback. Prompt police intervention was made, and security measures will be further fortified in response to this incident.
This unfortunate situation reminded Brower of the vulnerability of small businesses to theft compared to large organizations such as Target.
Detroit boutique’s resilience post-theft
The struggle to recover from the theft has been significant, emphasizing the need for better protective measures for small businesses like hers. She advocates for better policies and resources to support small local businesses against these threats.
The community was crucial in identifying the culprits from the released surveillance footage. The suspects were notable outsiders, much to the disappointment of Brower, who values her community highly. Disheartened, she voices her concerns about the growing threats, raising questions about the intentions of newcomers.
Despite the setback, The Dashery has experienced a surge in sales after the incident, thanks to the local community’s patronage. Brower expressed her gratitude for the community’s support during the difficult time. Investigations are still ongoing, with local law enforcement and the community working hand in hand to bring the criminals to justice.
