My wife and I went to Lillian’s on First Street this week. I just recently noticed that something went into the old New Moon location when passing it on the bus, though apparently, they’ve been here since August.

The shop’s look was friendly, festive — lots of cute bears and hot tea and ice water with lemon available, and a small stock of items. Actually, better to say it this way — a large variety of items, with only 1-2 of each size on the floor. The result is a crisp, clean shopping experience. Prices were (to my “cheap husband’s” eyes) high, though I admit, I only look at the “80% off” racks when I go to Penney’s and Younkers. My wife thought that the prices were average for items made with this style and these materials. I spent most of my time at the clearance rack, where I snagged a nice sweater-shawl thing for her for half off.

A few of the customers seemed surprised to see me in the shop; this is not an unusual thing for me, I guess; I’m a domesticated man who shops for women’s clothing as often or more often than my wife. Lillian’s is definitely a girl-space. But the staff were welcoming and rang a bell to honor our first visit to the shop. All very pleasant. If I had a critique, it’s that a few more items could have stood to have an L/XL option on the rack. When shopping in certain styles, I almost had to check: was there an L/XL on the rack? If not, don’t mention it to Kate, who buys her clothes just a little too big for when I shrink them in the wash.

The store is open 4 days a month, which helps create the event feel, and they are co-sponsors of the Women’s Expo next month, for which they gave us free tickets. I’m sure Kate and I will go back next month. Should be fun.

Lillian’s of Duluth
2 W. First St.
Duluth, MN 55802
Shoppe phone: 218.722.3033
Email: [email protected]