When people visit Billie & Lulu's for the first time, they often comment on how comfortable the store feels.
What many don't realize is that comfort wasn't accidental.
Before we opened our doors, Heidi and I spent a lot of time thinking about the shopping experience we wanted to create. We knew we wanted to offer stylish secondhand clothing for women in sizes XL–6X, but we also knew that inclusivity goes beyond what's hanging on the racks.
It starts with the space itself.
That's why we intentionally designed wider aisles throughout the store to make shopping easier and more comfortable for everyone, whether they're walking independently, using a walker, pushing a stroller, or navigating with a wheelchair.
We also put special thought into our fitting room.
Rather than installing a standard bench, we had a custom bench built specifically for the space. We added a grab bar to provide additional support and stability, and we installed a ceiling fan to help keep the fitting room cool and comfortable during Arizona's warmer months.
These details may seem small, but they matter.
Shopping should never feel stressful, inaccessible, or uncomfortable. Everyone deserves the opportunity to browse, try things on, and enjoy the experience.
From the layout of our store to the clothing we curate, our goal has always been to create a welcoming environment where women feel seen, respected, and comfortable.
When Billie & Lulu's was recently named Phoenix Magazine's Best of the Valley for Best Secondhand Store, we couldn't help but reflect on all the little decisions that helped shape the business we have today.
The award is an incredible honor, but what makes us most proud is hearing customers tell us they feel comfortable here. That they can move through the store easily. That they enjoy shopping. That they found something they love.
At the end of the day, that's what we've been working toward all along.
And we'll keep looking for ways to make Billie & Lulu's even better.