The newest sign or revived retailing in the downtown Perry commercial district appeared Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Backwards Boutique at 1126 Second. St.
Emily Leslie of rural Perry, owner of the women’s wear outlet, said the store carries its own lines and brands of women’s clothing along with some other popular brands.
Leslie was assisted at the ribbon cutting by her husband, Dan Leslie, and their three children, Taylor, 11, Gavin, 9, and Brendan, 5. A large number of friends, supporters and Perry Chamber of Commerce members filled the boutique for the ribbon event, are the happy new owners of the Dillenbeck building at 1124-1126 Second St. in downtown Perry.
“We have been so supported by the community and the great people in Perry,” Emily Leslie told the assembled group. “So many people have encouraged us along this journey and pointed us to their personal contacts, which has been such a blessing.”
The Leslies have spent more than two years restoring the 120-year-old commercial properties known as the Dillenbeck building, which originally housed the Citizens State Bank and today finds Haaland Financial Services and the Perry Perk coffeehouse serving local customers alongside the Backwards Boutique.
The Leslies bought the building after the sudden death in 2016 of Des Moines architect Kirk Blunck, and their renovations have completed what Blunck started on the Perry commercial landmark.
Emily Leslie said the store offers online shopping and local pickup for digital-age customers, and grand-opening specials can be found on their website.
