Koala Boutique opens in Sewickley

Nicki Saini saw a social media post that a women’s clothing and accessories boutique in Sewickley was closing and that mannequins, fixtures and jewelry stands were for sale.

Little did she realize she’d purchase more than a mannequin and a clothes rack.

Saini owns Koala Boutique, a women’s clothing and accessories boutique in Marshall.

She opened a second location Oct. 1 along Beaver Street in Sewickley, in the former Spoiled Chics space. Owner Cora DeLoia retired in August after more than two decades in that spot.

“I saw Cora’s post about selling fixtures and when I came in to see what was available, Cora said to me, ‘Why don’t you open here? ‘” said Saini. “I thought Sewickley would be a great place for me to open a second location.”

DeLoia is helping with the transition and the former Spoiled Chics store manager, Melissa Doyle, is on the sales floor a few days a week.

“It is great to be back here,” DeLoia said. “Nicki has such a mix of whimsical and classic. It’s a great place for gifts. It really fills a niche in Sewickley. I am excited for her. Spoiled Chics is gone and she is the new girl in town.”

Saini said she has been interacting with customers to learn what they want and will search out those items at upcoming trade shows. She said she enjoys traveling to New York, Las Vegas and Atlanta gives her the opportunity to see new merchandise and connect with designers.

“There is nothing like getting to see fashion in person,” Saini said. “You can feel the quality. Also, brands are always changing and you don’t want to be stale.”

Saini’s style is boho, she said. Her store offers some boho looks as well as classic and dressy pieces with styles for teens and adults.

Koala Boutique carries more than 40 designers, including Lysse, Tribal, Kut from the Kloth, Elan, Isle Jacobsen, Beyond Yoga and The Darling Effect. There are HOBO purses and wallets and Johnny Was high-end apparel, blankets and perfume.

The store sells Voluspa candles and scented candles and fragrance diffusers from the Hotel Collection.

Jewelry lines include Kendra Scott and Spartina as well as Crislu, which is travel jewelry plated in platinum or yellow gold and high-quality cubic zirconia tennis bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings.

There are Beekman1802 skin and body products. Customers can shop for most products online. Saini only buys in small quantities and sells some brands that are exclusive to the Sewickley area, she said.

“I have a variety and something for everyone,” said the Franklin Park resident.

Her first job out of college at the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied business management, was at Lazarus Department Store in Ross Park Mall. She learned about various designers working for Stitch Fix, a personal styling service.

She recalled shopping trips to the former Northway Mall and then Ross Park Mall with her friend since the sixth grade, Molly Wetmore of McCandless.

“This store is so adorable,” Wetmore said. “Nicki has the best style and always has had the best style. She is 100 percent into fashion. I am not great with fashion, but I don’t have to be because I have a fashionable friend in Nicki.”