Sweeten Your Little Girl's Valentine's Day

Pretty bows, new clothes and wee dolls ready for play is what little girls dream of — and what they’ll find at Charles Marie’s for Grandmothers, 5721 Andrews Highway.

For the past 42 years, The Grandmothers’ Shop has been finding its way into the hearts of grandmothers and moms, and, yes, dads and granddads.

Charles Marie’s for Grandmothers is one of the oldest self-owned businesses in Texas. Owner Charles Marie Harwell shares her formula for success.

“Customer service is first,” she said. “The ladies that work here can help you mix and match outfits to get maximum wear out of them.”

Charles Marie’s phones customers on her calling list before items go on sale, giving them a chance to come in and see what they want so that they can be first in line on sales day.

Although you may have to drive a little further north than usual on Highway 385 to get to Charles Marie’s, you’ll find ample parking and a playroom that will keep your little ones busy while you shop.

Advertising is mostly by word-of- mouth. “And the Odessa American,” Charles Marie adds. She mingles old-fashioned service with modern technology by advertising with the OA Online.

Charles Marie goes to market in Dallas five times a year to keep up with fashion trends. She considers children’s fashions every bit as important as adult fashions.

Right now the trend is casual.

“Jeans are now considered fashion wear instead of sportswear,” she said. “Even pageant clothes have gotten away from the old-fashioned, Shirley Temple dresses to more casual looks.”

Hair bows are in great demand.

“I’ve never seen so many people buying hair bows before,” Charles Marie said.

Besides keeping a large stock of bows on hand, Charles Marie will make custom bows to match any outfit — even those that were not purchased at Charles Marie’s.

Clothing sizes for both boys and girls range from Preemie to 24 months. Girls’ sizes continue to 16.

In addition to clothing, Charles Marie’s offers a wide variety of toys incluing Adora dolls. Their set of six Wizard of OZ dolls are extremely popular.

“I think those are the prettiest dolls on the market,” Charles Marie said.

Charles Marie’s for Grandmothers offers furniture including convertible cribs that will take your little one all the way through high school

Through the years, the mainstay of the store are the ladies it was named for.

“Grandmothers buy most of the kids’ clothes,” Charles Marie said. “Moms will come in and find what they want, then tell the grandmothers and the grandmothers will come in later and purchase the item.”

After 42 years, Charles Marie frequently sees children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren of her longtime customers.

Charles Marie’s offers layaway plans. Free gift wrapping is available on all items that are not on sale. Credit cards are accepted.

For more information, call Charles Marie’s for Grandmothers at  432-362-5459.