By Kerri Rempp
Discover Northwest Nebraska

CHADRON – A successful Valentine’s Day is in the rearview mirror, and The New Leaf Marketplace is gearing up for more big changes.

Apricot Lane Boutique, a women’s fashion franchise offering branded apparel, jewelry, handbags and accessories, will open at The New Leaf Marketplace this spring. Owners Phill and Angela Lollar will incorporate the new business into the existing New Leaf Marketplace structure that includes Chadron Tanning and The New Leaf Floral and Gifts.

 
A complete exterior and interior remodeling project that began late last year will make room for the addition of the Apricot Lane Boutique, along with the newly-created Chadron Tanning. Apricot Lane offers more than 75 locations nationwide that “creates a unique adventure and shopping experience that captures the look and vibe of the local area,” according to a press release from the company.

 
“We’ve been asking ‘what does Chadron need?’,” Angela Lollar said. “We heard ‘clothes’ a lot.”

 
Researching the possibilities, Apricot Lane Boutique hit home because it fit with the Lollar’s lifestyle and the other businesses at The New Leaf Marketplace, while offering something unique to serve Chadron and the surrounding region.

 
“It’s the customer service of knowing when you walk in the door, we will be styling the individual to provide an overall experience,” Lollar said.

 
While Apricot Lane is a franchise, the boutique will be locally owned and operated, with the staff able to curate its own collection based on the needs of the community. Limited quantities of each item will be available to add variety to the region’s fashion offerings.

 The addition of Apricot Lane Boutique to The New Leaf Marketplace will also create at least three to four new jobs, Lollar said.

 
“We’re continuing to invest in our community and laying down deep roots in Chadron,” she added, noting that they hope the businesses they are creating become a legacy for their two daughters.

 
The couple announced the addition of Chadron Tanning last fall, and that business will open Feb. 20, featuring new tanning beds, red-light therapy, an aqua-massager and an automated spray tan booth, all with after-hours access and touchscreen check-in service for registered members.

 
“The New Leaf Floral & Gifts will remain an integral part of the Marketplace, with the new open concept floor plan allowing for a unique boutique floral experience in which customers can be more engaged,” Lollar said.

 
The Lollars plan to launch Apricot Lane Boutique April 20 and host a grand opening in late April. The new hours for The New Leaf Flowers and Apricot Lane Boutique will be Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. You’ll be able to find Apricot Lane’s Chadron location online at https://apricotlaneboutique.com/store/chadron/ or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.