Customer service Two Doors Down mainstay; Wright’s dedication keeps business strong

“I worked for so many people here, for years,” Teresa Wright, owner of Two Doors Down Boutique said, as she recalled the reason why she chose to open her own store on Lake Street in Fulton in August of 2013.

“Goodness, I worked for Judy Andrews at Southside Drug for a while and did her buying for her store. I did landscaping. I worked at Fulton Decorating, then for five years, I managed Cissy’s. I even cleaned houses early on, at one time, just so I could have a flexible schedule and get to be the soccer mom and the basketball mom, when my boys were young,” she said.

Then one day, the Hutchins family approached her, after having purchased the building where Two Doors Down is now located, on Lake Street.

“They asked me if I would be interested in opening a store, and I thought, well, I have sure worked in enough businesses so why not,” Teresa said.

But she and her husband, Bart, did not dive in head first to the retail community.

“Bart and I both took classes in economic development, and several other business management courses. I am so glad we did, because you have to be prepared,” she said.

Why open a boutique?

“I have always dressed, well...differently, more trendy. I liked unique clothes, not the same as you would see on everyone else. I knew when I opened my store, I didn’t want it to look like anything else in the local area,” Teresa said, adding a commitment to keeping merchandise fresh was something important to her.

“I will usually order items in sixes, so there won’t be a great chance of being somewhere and seeing someone with the exact same outfit on. I also constantly change up what we have, so you may come in the store today, and then come in next week, and see an entirely different display of our dresses, jeans, rompers...I just want people to see something different every time they shop,” she said.

Customer service is a key element in the success of a business, and Two Doors Down employees make a point to communicate in a friendly and professional manner, with every person who walks through the door.

“You know, even if I am having a bad day, or one of my girls might be having a bad day, it should never be evident to a customer. They may be coming into the store because they are trying to get away from a bad day they are having, themselves. We have a personal relationship with our customers, from the first time they come in. Then, each time they return to shop, we are able to have a one-on-one conversation and ask them about something they may have mentioned to us the previous time they came to shop. That’s important,” Teresa said.

The most fun part of owning and operating Two Doors Down, she said, is earning the trust of those who shop with her, especially when eventually, the customer gives Teresa free reign to make fashion selections for them, they might not otherwise consider.

“Someone might come in looking for a piece of clothing or an outfit. I believe we keep our lines reasonably priced, so that helps. If a customer lets me, I will pick out lots of things and encourage them to try them on. It may be something they would never, ever have chosen for themselves. But then, when I see their face as they look in the mirror, and I know they love it, that’s the best feeling for me,” she said.

In addition to clothing for ladies, in sizes from small to curvy, Two Doors Down offers the latest in footwear, sporty to dressy, casual flats, to chunky platforms. There is an abundance of jewelry lines to compliment any wardrobe choice, with something for everyone.

Two Doors Down is located at 426 Lake St., downtown Fulton. Hours of operation are 10-6, Monday through Friday and 10-3 on Saturdays. The telephone number is (270) 472-5808.