Wegdams open sixth boutique on Francis Street

Tara and Ben Wegdam opened their sixth Creme de la Creme store in downtown Annapolis on Thursday. The new shop is located on Francis Street and represents the couple's second business in Anne Arundel County.

The Wegdams started the company in 2000 in Middleburg, Virginia. They have expanded the business steadily over the past 25 years. Ben Wegdam said the company seeks locations with high customer potential. He called the downtown Annapolis area the perfect spot for the new storefront.

Tara Wegdam noted that the neighborhood has consistent foot traffic. She explained that many visitors come to the area for various reasons, while others live locally. This mix supports a store where shoppers personalize their homes. She added that no other store with a similar focus was already operating in the city.

The company manages its six locations as an interconnected network. Ben Wegdam said managers from all stores speak weekly to share insights on products and merchandise arrangements. He stated that the team moves quickly when a suitable location becomes available. The Annapolis opening follows this strategy of rapid expansion into promising markets.

Customers attended the grand opening on Thursday. Some were first-time visitors, while others were longtime fans of the brand. Tara Wegdam mentioned that one customer wore apparel from the company during the event. She said it was helpful to hear how buyers use the products they purchase. Several residents who recently moved to Annapolis expressed relief that the store had opened.

The new business joins a wave of commercial growth in the county. The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation reported that nearly 60 new or expanding businesses opened in May and June of this year. The Wegdams added their latest location to this growing local market.

The store is now open to the public on Francis Street. It operates alongside the other five Creme de la Creme locations owned by the couple. The business continues to sell home decor items that blend French and Italian styles with Southern hospitality.