Munster’s Katie Rose Boutique celebrates second location in CP
Before Thanksgiving I dedicated my weekly WJOB radio show to a broadcast celebration of local support for last weekend’s “Small Business Saturday.”
Katie Rose Boutique launched two years ago on Small Business Saturday 2021. Owner Monica Branchik joined me in studio with big news for the airwaves and my column.
She 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.
Now, she’s adding a second location for shoppers from Northwest Indiana and beyond.
In March of 2024, Katie Rose Boutique will be opening a new location in Crown Point just south of the square at 218 S. Main Street.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to expand and reach more people, while continuing to emphasize the importance of shopping local,” Branchik said.
Joining in the conversation last week about the importance of small business shopping was Karen Maravilla, owner of It’s Just Serendipity, 5630 Hohman Ave., an antiques and collectibles shop in Hammond.
Maravilla has owned her store for 14 years and offers private shopping opportunities for guests.
Branchik has adopted a contrasting business strategy, touting Katie Rose in Munster as perfect for hosting a holiday party option, which she describes as “different from booking a room at a restaurant or event facility.”
“Katie Rose can 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.”
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, along with Hatley, Kut from the Kloth, Renuar, Charlie B, NIC + ZOE, Bishop and Young, Liverpool Los Angeles and JAG.
As for the name origin for Katie Rose Boutique, it was inspired as a loving tribute to Branchik’s daughters Katelyn and Emma Rose who I’m told visit the store whenever they’re “not busy tumbling, cheering or doing homework.” Visitors to Katie Rose are also often greeted by Buddy, the store’s ambassador golden retriever who strolls the shop entertaining young customers while moms peruse the racks.
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.
Monica’s husband Joe Branchik is vice president of marketing for Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, who previously spent a long stretch in the same vice president capacity for Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.
Katie Rose Boutique is located at 9610 N. Centennial Drive, Suite B, in Munster or visit them at www.katieroseboutique.com or call 219-515-0489. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Private appointments are available 9 a.m. to noon on 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].
