Boutique goes from one busy shopping area to another with McHenry Village move

After 10 years in business, Bonnie J boutique has moved out of downtown Modesto to McHenry Village.

Owner Lisa Ardis said she was ready for a fresh start after successfully battling breast cancer. She also had some lingering safety concerns about the store’s previous J Street location, including broken windows and other problems.

“I just needed a change. I wanted it to be new,” Ardis said. “I feel like this space is perfect for me.”

This past week the shop opened in McHenry Village, next door to Dezignz home furnishings store and behind Gabriel Fine Jewelers. Bonnie J carries an assortment of women’s clothing, jewelery, shoes, handbags and candles.

Ardis said the store is about the same size as its old location, but has more floor space for display. She is leasing about 1,600 square feet from her adjoining next door neighbor, Dezignz. Some of the boutique’s more popular brands include Judy Blue jeans, Z Supply shirts and dresses, Pixie Mood vegan purses, and the locally made Jewelry by Mamta. The shop caters to all ages, with clothes for ages 25 to 65, as well as most price points. Its jeans run anywhere from $48 to $169.

The shop has retained its five employees, including veteran manager Alyssa Acosta, through the move. Ardis and Acosta greet most of their customers by name and have built up a loyal base over the years.

Bonnie J first opened in 2008 and Ardis bought the boutique from original owner Susan Johnston in 2014. Ardis had no retail experience before taking over the shop, but has a background in design. Both she and her husband, the president of Huff Construction, are active in the community through various charities and organizations.

“I would rather someone say, ‘I couldn’t find something but this shop is so cute, so I’ll be back’,” she said. “It’s very important for us to be local and use local (merchants) when we can.”

Bonnie J is at 1700 McHenry Ave, Suite 27b. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. For more information call 209-521-2700 or visit www.shopbonniej.com.

This story was originally published March 3, 2018 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Boutique goes from one busy shopping area to another with McHenry Village move."