Stylish lingerie and distinctive fittings for breast cancer
survivors
The Boutique de Lingerie is looking for a buyer. The proprietor,
Jeannine Porteur DiVincenzo, is looking for heart.
Since 1998, the Boutique de Lingerie has been a committed donor
to Hollister and San Benito County. It has supported numerous
school events, clubs, and sports teams. But more than anything the
boutique stands out as a dedicated, local business in the fight
against breast cancer.
Stylish lingerie and distinctive fittings for breast cancer survivors
The Boutique de Lingerie is looking for a buyer. The proprietor, Jeannine Porteur DiVincenzo, is looking for heart.
Since 1998, the Boutique de Lingerie has been a committed donor to Hollister and San Benito County. It has supported numerous school events, clubs, and sports teams. But more than anything the boutique stands out as a dedicated, local business in the fight against breast cancer.
The boutique is known for its attentiveness to the female physique, especially breast cancer survivors who have had mastectomies and reconstructive surgeries. It sells lingerie for all women, but also has a private dressing room for those who seek prosthetic fittings.
Porteur DiVincenzo put the boutique on sale about a month ago and is currently in talks with three serious buyers. She is asking $295,000 for the 1,900 square foot store.
“The most rewarding thing about this business is the women who come to us and leave feeling complete and whole again,” Porteur DiVincenzo said. “Retail is retail; my hope is to find someone with as much passion for helping other women as we have.”
Jeannine founded the Boutique de Lingerie after her cousin Juli-An Rowe was diagnosed with breast cancer. Seeing how difficult it was for her to find garments in the vicinity, she decided to provide such a service.
Since then the market has continued to grow. Increasingly new apparel lines are catering to the needs cancer survivors.
“People are always coming up with ideas; there is even a stick-on breast to balance the one lost,” Porteur DiVincenzo said.
When it comes to competition with mega retailers, the Boutique de Lingerie puts quality before quantity. “According to statistics, 70 percent of all women are wearing the wrong size bra,” Porteur DiVincenzo said. “It is very important for women to be fit by a professional, to restore balance to their bodies.”
The store was first located in the Clock Tower strip mall but later moved to its present location on the corner of Seventh and San Benito streets. It has since flourished and was named the 2005 Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.
Profits are strong for the boutique but Porteur DiVincenzo is selling because she wants to spend more time at her cabin in the Sierra Nevada.
“I want to be able to go boating and horseback riding while I still can,” she said. “It has taken me 10 years to find my little piece of paradise and I want to be there as much as possible.”
Porteur DiVincenzo will continue to provide private garment fittings at home should the store sell sooner that she anticipates or should the new owner decide not to provide the service. She will remain on the board and fundraise for the Hope for a Cure Memorial.
