FORT SCOTT — Better in Bourbon has officially moved into a larger downtown location, giving the locally owned boutique room to expand its merchandise, custom printing operations and customer experience while preparing for another busy shopping season.
Owner Rachel Pruitt said Better in Bourbon began as a temporary pop-up retail store in November 2021 before moving to a permanent location on Main Street the following month. After about four and a half years of steady growth, the business outgrew its previous space.
“We saw a need for more space,” Pruitt said. “We’ve been wanting to buy this property for quite a while.”
The building is owned by Pruitt Storage and Rentals, where Better in Bourbon is currently a tenant. The location will also house additional tenants in the future.
Pruitt credited the support of customers throughout Fort Scott and surrounding communities for giving her the confidence to expand.
“We just saw so much support for our local business that expanding felt comfortable,” she said.
The new storefront allows Better in Bourbon to significantly increase its inventory. In addition to its permanent jewelry collection, the boutique has expanded its selection of extended women’s sizes, tween clothing, denim and shoes — items that require considerably more display and storage space.
The larger building also gives the business room to grow its custom apparel operation.
“We make most of our shirts ourselves,” Pruitt said. “We also do screen-printing jobs for small businesses and customers.”
Previously, much of that work was divided between the store and her home.
“I was doing half of everything at my house and moving it all here,” she said. “Now our deliveries come here, we have trash service here, and everything is in one place. It’s much more efficient.”
Beyond improving daily operations, the additional space provides customers with more room to browse merchandise and gives the boutique opportunities to host future events.
Pruitt said she is especially looking forward to the fourth quarter, when Christmas on the Bricks and the holiday season bring an influx of visitors downtown.
She also expects increased downtown activity due to the recently reopened Holmtown Pub.
“Being on this side of downtown gives us more foot traffic and more restaurant traffic,” Pruitt said. “We’re hoping all of that benefits everyone.”
Rather than competing with online retailers solely on price, Better in Bourbon focuses on providing a personalized shopping experience.
“We’re trying to make it easier for people instead of shopping online and then dealing with returns because something doesn’t fit,” Pruitt said.
Employees help customers coordinate outfits for vacations, weddings, girls’ trips, back-to-school shopping, work, funerals and other occasions. Teachers make up one of the boutique’s largest customer groups.
The boutique emphasizes affordable pricing, with many dresses priced under $40 and most tops ranging from $25 to $35. It also carries Judy Blue denim, additional jean styles at lower price points, comfort sandals, fashion sneakers and a carefully selected assortment of accessories.
Pruitt personally selects every item sold in the store.
“I pick everything myself,” she said. “But I also get input from customers, family and friends.”
Customer suggestions play an important role in shaping future inventory.
“If someone sees something online or in another boutique and wants to try it on locally, we’re very open to bringing those items in,” she said.
To stay current with trends, Pruitt attends the Dallas apparel market each January and hopes the business’s continued growth will eventually allow her to attend twice each year. She also monitors industry groups and boutique communities online to identify styles that fit the local market.
“We’re not necessarily trying to be cutting-edge trendy,” she said. “We want to offer good, solid basics for people’s wardrobes with a few unique pieces mixed in.”
Better in Bourbon maintains an active presence on Facebook, Instagram and its website, where customers can browse products and stay informed about new arrivals and special events.
Pruitt said the boutique also believes in giving back to the community. Better in Bourbon offers a downtown employee discount to encourage local shopping and provides a 10% discount to school employees in every school district.
“We value what teachers and school employees do for our kids,” she said. “It’s one way we can show our appreciation.”
As the business settles into its new home, Pruitt said she remains grateful for the customers who have supported Better in Bourbon since its beginning.
“Our customer support has been tremendous,” she said. “Not only from Fort Scott, but from the surrounding communities and even seasonal residents who come back every year. We also have a wonderful group of part-time employees who have helped me tremendously. None of this would be possible without all of them.”
