CALLAWAY, Md. — What began as a running joke between Layla Ratliff and her family has become a brick-and-mortar boutique built around affordable fashion, sustainability and helping local women.
Babes & Bargains will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 21030 Point Lookout Road, Unit 108, in Callaway.
The celebration marks the latest chapter in Ratliff’s journey from dedicated bargain hunter to small-business owner.
“I’ve always loved shopping, especially finding a great deal,” Ratliff previously told The BayNet. “For years, I would travel to visit consignment and resale shops to both buy and sell clothing. What started as a running joke with my family about opening my own store eventually became a dream I couldn’t ignore.”
A Dream Tested Through Pop-Ups
Before finding a permanent storefront, Ratliff introduced Babes & Bargains through small pop-up events. The response helped confirm that Southern Maryland shoppers were interested in a local place to buy and sell trendy, gently used clothing.
“I began hosting small pop-up events while searching for the perfect retail space, and the response confirmed that this was something our community wanted and needed,” Ratliff said in the earlier interview. “Babes & Bargains was created from my passion for affordable fashion, sustainability and helping women feel confident without overspending.”
The boutique buys trendy women’s and juniors clothing, giving customers an opportunity to earn money from pieces they no longer wear while helping other shoppers refresh their wardrobes at more affordable prices.
Babes & Bargains also carries boutique-style accessories and giftable merchandise, including jewelry, sunglasses, candles, decorative items and cards for special occasions.
Giving Clothing A Second Chance
The boutique’s mission extends beyond buying and selling clothing.
If Babes & Bargains does not purchase an item, the person bringing it in may choose to donate it. Those donations are then provided to women in need locally, keeping usable clothing out of landfills while giving it another purpose within the community.
“Babes & Bargains is about more than fashion, it’s about community,” Ratliff previously said. “We’re providing a place where women and teens can earn money by selling clothing, shoes and accessories they no longer wear.”
For Ratliff, the goal is to create a store where shoppers feel comfortable, sellers feel supported and donated clothing can continue helping others.
“My hope is that Babes & Bargains becomes a welcoming space where people feel excited to shop, supported when they sell and proud to be part of something that gives back,” she said.
Giveaways, Jewelry And Treats
Grand-opening visitors will have two opportunities to win store credit and prizes.
Customers will receive one raffle ticket for every $20 they spend, giving them a chance to win $100 in Babes & Bargains store credit. Additional tickets will be awarded for each additional $20 spent.
Everyone who visits the boutique will also receive one free raffle ticket for a separate prize featuring $25 in store credit and a new matching Coach necklace and earrings set. No purchase is necessary to enter that drawing.
A permanent jewelry vendor will be on-site offering jewelry for purchase throughout the celebration.
Treats by the Pan will also participate, selling fresh lemonade and sweet treats as shoppers browse the boutique and enter the giveaways.
The grand opening will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Babes & Bargains, 21030 Point Lookout Road, Unit 108, in Callaway. Updates are available through the Babes & Bargains Facebook page.
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