Online overnight: Enzee Boutique adapts as pandemic causes business shutdowns

After Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the closure of bars, restaurants and non-essential businesses starting on March 16, local business owners were forced to close storefronts and halt business. This sudden shock to the community left some business owners with no choice but to think far outside the box. One of these local businesses, located in the heart of our city centre on 140 N. York St., is Enzee Boutique.

Enzee Boutique uniquely incorporates philanthropy and charitable brands throughout fashion. They make it their goal to carry brands that support charitable causes. Store owner Natalie Zysko opened the boutique 17 years ago and has dedicated her life to curate a place where women can find true beauty and confidence in themselves through fashion. So, in the craziness of the world today, it is vital to shop locally and support smaller businesses over bigger businesses as your taxes from your purchase are put right back into the community.

“In times like these, it is even more important to support your local businesses because we, the people, the small business owners, still want to serve our community but can’t do things normally,” Zysko said. “We love what we do, where we are and who we serve, but we need sales in order to pay our bills, as downtown locations are expensive to rent. With no money coming in and only going out, it’s only a matter of time before we’re forced to close our doors.”

Since the closure of their storefront, Enzee kick-started an online shopping experience on its website in just two days and has also used social media to connect with their customers.

“The best way to support and shop local right now is through our social media platforms,” Zysko said. “We use our Facebook and Instagram pages every day and we’ve also added many items onto our website for customers to shop.”

Utilizing their social media platforms, Enzee connected with customers through Instagram on Saturday, April 11, when they participated in a virtual boutique crawl. Enzee along with other local favorites Maxine, Good Kids Clothing Co., the Uptown Shop, Hazyl, Evelyn on Second, Kie & Kate, Bread & Butter and RedE each hosted a 15-minute session on Instagram live to show off their merchandise and communicate with customers in real-time.

“Recently we did a boutique crawl with other local businesses to let people get a look at what each one has to offer,” Enzee employee and York senior Gabriella Purpora said. “It was unique in the sense that it creates a community feel for customers from the comfort of their own homes.”