by Shelbylinn Connell
Who but Lu An Carone-Rhodes would open a third business during COVID? Originally, Lu An had planned on opening Lux + Lu Boutique in March, but then the 14-day lockdown hit hoping to flatten the pandemic curve. As time went on they still were unable to open up, This didn’t discourage Lu An. It gave her more time to remodel and form a stronger foundation.
“The remodel began in January and transformed the former Downtown Albany law office into the bright, beautiful space you see now,” Lu An said. “We’re excited for the community to visit the shop and see how we upgraded the space. It turned out beautiful!”
On June 3, Lux + Lu opened it’s doors joining Lu An’s Running Princess in Downtown Corvallis and Princess Athletic in Downtown Bend. Lu Ann says, “We are so excited to be in historic Downtown Albany. At Lux + Lu you will find items to add loveliness and a little fun to your closet and your life.”
Lux + Lu Boutique provides an ever-changing variety of merchandise. Lu An’s goal for her company is to provide clothing for women of all shapes and sizes. The merchandise of Lux + Lu is flexible with affordability and unique styles of clothing.
Lux + Lu is a committed company that provides size-inclusive clothing for women ranging from XXS-4XL. The boutique also offers little girl’s clothing, jewelry, clothing accessories, and light houseware items.
“Our merchandise selection process is also unique. We seek out small, women-owned companies that manufacture quality athleisure apparel and accessories. We like to get to know and forge a bond with our suppliers and move forward in the relationship with an ‘if you succeed, I succeed’ moto. We choose companies based in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest whenever possible,” Lu An commented.
Lu An personally trains her staff helping teach techniques on how to “create a wonderful customer experience.”
Lu An originally didn’t know what kind of shop to open, although, after walking through Downtown Albany, she decided she wanted a store that complimented existing ones but also still entailed the support of women including all shapes and sizes.
Lux + Lu is located at 313 1st Ave. W. Their expanded March hours are Tuesday- Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Find them on Facebook and Instagram or call (541) 704-0190.
