Courtesy of Shelah McClymont
The Foundrie
Since beginning as a holiday pop-up shop, The Foundrie (265 Chesterfield Mall, 636-730-4130) has continued to move on to bigger and better things. Earlier this month, owner Shelah McClymont announced plans to open a second location in West County Center this fall — just in time for the holiday season.
McClymont says having a second location will allow The Foundrie to expand its product offering, in addition to reaching new customers. Right now, the store carries the work of about 100 artists and crafters. With two locations, McClymont says that could grow to 150 or more.
Currently, a handful of The Foundrie’s vendors work in the store, where they can meet their customers. McClymont anticipates that this will continue in a second location.
“I’ve been looking for a second location for the last six months to a year,” she says. “West County Center seems like it’s going to be the best fit for us.”
But first, The Foundrie is moving to a smaller space in Chesterfield Mall in preparation for the extra merchandise and manpower that will be needed for two locations. The store will be closed for a week and a half as McClymont relocates to the space next door. The shop will reopen on July 2.
“Chesterfield has been really supportive of us,” McClymont says, “but we want to get closer to the city, ultimately. So, it’s one step at a time.”
Earlier this month, she launched a fundraising campaign on the crowd-funding site Indiegogo to raise money for the expansion.
McClymont, creator of the Destroyed by Design jewelry line, started The Foundrie in 2009 as a seasonal pop-up boutique in Chesterfield Mall. After two successful holiday seasons, The Foundrie opened its doors as a permanent store in early 2011. The shop carries handmade, independently produced and vintage items.
