In November, I announced Katie Rose Boutique, launched two years ago on Small Business Saturday 2021 in Munster by owner Monica Branchik, was opening a new location in Crown Point just south of the square at 218 S. Main Street.
Branchik joined me in the studio at WJOB 1230 AM in Hammond with the big news for the airwaves for both my weekly radio and my column, both media associations sharing the same name branding “Of Notoriety with Phil Potempa.”
Branchik is one of the business pioneers of Centennial Village at the corner of 45th Street and Calumet Avenue in Munster, where her Katie Rose Boutique became one of the first retail anchors and features women’s designer clothing.
When she told me by March of 2024, Katie Rose Boutique would have the new second location in Crown Point open and ready for business, I was skeptical. Usual construction and renovation delays, as well as Branchik’s own jam-packed life as wife, mother and new additional crown as a new business retail entrepreneur, all complicate the creation of a new location, especially during the holiday span and her busiest time of year.
Not only did her opening plan stay on schedule, she opened earlier than planned and celebrated with other area business leaders, including Crossroad Chamber of Commerce members, dignitaries and VIPs a week ago for a grand opening ribbon cutting on Friday, March 15. Branchik returns as a guest on my WJOB radio show at 2 p.m. Thursday to discuss her journey and success over the past six months.
“I’m enthused about the opportunity to expand the reach of the Katie Rose brand with this second location,” Branchik said.
“The new Katie Rose will be an exciting addition to the popularity of the downtown Crown Point destination as a shopping experience.”
Her husband Joe Branchik is vice president of marketing for Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, and he previously spent a long stretch in the same vice president capacity for Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.
The name origin for Katie Rose Boutique was inspired as a loving tribute to the couple’s daughters Katelyn and Emma Rose who I’m told visit the store whenever they’re “not busy tumbling, cheering or doing homework,” often greeting guests along with Buddy, the store’s ambassador golden retriever (and family’s canine pet) at their side.
“This store is perfect for Crown Point and a great draw,” Crown Point Mayor Peter Land said following his participation in last Friday’s new business ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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“I wanted to do whatever we could do to help get them to Crown Point for this new location.”
Katie Rose Boutique offers a variety of merchandise including designer jeans, stylish tops, artfully designed sweaters, casual dresses, and an assortment of jewelry and other fashion accessories.
The boutique is curated by owner Branchik who carefully selects her inventory, which includes a collection of high-end brands. Some of the featured labels include Kendra Scott, Hatley, Renuar, Charlie B, NIC + ZOE, Bishop and Young, Liverpool Los Angeles and JAG.
“Easter and Mother’s Day are both just around the corner, and spring fashions are front and center,” Branchik said.
“Katie Rose staff can also create a private shopping experience for small groups after hours, and we transform the boutique into a glamorous cocktail party with light bites and beverages all provided by Katie Rose, and guests receive a 10% discount on merchandise,” Branchik said.
“Another option is to have the event’s purpose be to support a charity, and then Katie Rose will donate 10% of the entire night’s receipts toward the charity. At the same time, the group gets to enjoy trying on different styles and working with a Katie Rose associate to help put together fabulous looks from all the latest dresses, beautiful separates and stunning accessories.”
The store offerings span everything from seasonal scarves and gloves to fine jewelry and candles and décor in addition to the fashion selection. Branchik said men love the advantage of a special concierge service that includes birthday reminders, free gift wrapping and customer-created wish lists to help find perfect gifts for wives, moms, friends and family.
Katie Rose Boutique details for both locations are at www.katieroseboutique.com or call the new Crown Point location at 219-515-0489. Hours are Mondays closed, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at [email protected].