For 10 years, Susan Todd and Cari Bohannan handled the business affairs for their husbands’ businesses, a crane company and a construction outfit, respectively. They used to live in yoga pants and sweatpants. And then, a dream was born.
Susan and Cari both used to refurbish furniture as a hobby. They met through their mutual interest on facebook, and decided that maybe they’d be good as friends instead of competitors. They took a weekend trip to Oklahoma City together for a painting class, and the first seeds of Nesting Necessities were planted.
They started small, renting a booth in a downtown antique store. They sold a particular brand of furniture paint, as well as furniture that they had restored. When they decided to begin pitching a different brand of paint that required them to have a storefront, they began scouting locations in downtown Claremore. Cari had always had an interest in owning a boutique, while Susan wasn’t quite so sure. Neither of them had any retail experience, after all.
Nevertheless, Nesting Necessities & Boutique opened at 407 W. Will Rogers Blvd. on November 20, 2012. The original premise was to have clothing, jewelry and home décor consignors, and personally offer furniture paint, refinished furniture and painting classes. After just a couple of months, the duo began purchasing their own clothing, accessories and home decor, and a whole new concept emerged.
In November 2013, the new concept needed a new name. Nesting Necessities went away and became the trendy boutique it is today: The District on Main. Adventure Signs installed a stunning sign, and Cari hasn’t looked back.
Her store carries an astonishing list of brands that are exclusive to Claremore: Brighton, Southern Marsh, denim line Articles of Society, the ever-popular Rustic Cuff and Kendra Scott, as well as Brighton, Tribal Sportswear, Southern Tide, Lucky, Spanx, Rainbow Sandals, Soybu fitness apparel, Lauren James Co., Gameday Couture, and Charlie Southern. (I got a Charlie Southern tee for my birthday recently and it’s adorable. And comfortable.) In addition to clothing and accessories, The District on Main also carries gift lines by Lilly Pulitzer and Mud Pie, and Archipelago Botanicals body care items.
Cari is accomplishing her goal of bringing something to Claremore that didn’t exist before. With the new concept of The District, she is working hard to both keep a low price point available for shoppers, while still offering high-end merchandise that can usually only be found in big cities. One of the first boutiques on Claremore’s Main Street, Cari is finding her niche of offering a different boutique experience for shoppers.
For example, clients can sign up for the VIP Text Club; all you have to do is text DISTRICT to 7144 and you’ll receive a 10% off coupon, as well as special offers and events.
If you haven’t been to The District on Main for a while, now is the time. If you’re in the market for a gift, it’s a great place to start. And if you’re overwhelmed by all of the fabulous merchandise, you can always buy a gift card.
The District on Main is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10a – 5:30p, Thursday 10a – 6p, Saturday 10a – 5p. Closed Sundays. Visit them on facebook or visit them on the web to learn the latest!
Keep it local, Claremore!
-MCM Staffer Ashley,
who thinks The District
has super cute stuff
Cari Douglas Bohannan The District on Main
I love their clothes but I’ve never felt very welcomed in the store. Snubbed would be the best way to describe how I’ve been treated. Multiple times. Each time I’ve been the only one in the store, tried on clothes, looked around and no one spoke to me. Which makes me sad because I like their clothes, I like to shop local but I also expect good customer service. Maybe this is something they are working to improve?
So what happened to Susan Cummings Todd?
I felt the same way every time I’ve been in there, so I just go on to the other stores on that street to do my shopping
I have to give good customer service where i work and I expect the same where I shop
Roxanne Gurley Stickler I sold out to Cari last March to take care of my father before he passed away. I wish Cari and the store the best and I still shop at The District.