HOWELL — A local woman has harnessed the power of social media to grow her thrift store.
Keepin’ It Real Boutique owner Bay Murphy operates her clothing resale business at 204 W. Grand River Ave. While the storefront isn’t currently open to in-person shopping on a regular basis, Murphy holds pop-up shopping, special events and classes.
The storefront is also where she livestreams sales twice a week, including “Money Saving Monday” and “Thrifty Thursday.”
The boutique’s Facebook group has more than 3,800 members, Murphy said, and about 400 of them are regular customers. When she’s out hunting for clothing to sell, she looks for items she knows will fit her regulars’ personal tastes.
“I know my people,” she said. “I know their styles. I feel like I’m their personal shopper.”
Murphy offers shipping options and contactless pickup at several locations around the county, which are disclosed to customers after they buy. She’s working on launching a website and an app.
When items don’t sell, she donates them to local families and the LivCo Youth Shop, a free “clothing closet” geared towards teens and children.