SALEM – Vicki McGee was aimed at opening her own business long before starting Simply Scarves … And Such last November at 140 Penn Ave.

“I spent my entire career in retail,” she said, “and worked my way up through the ranks.”

She traveled all over the United States “in different retail areas” during 28 years in corporate retail world, before finishing up in human resources.

“I just was in a position financially to give up the corporate career,” she said.

So she started her own women’s accessory business on social media two or three years ago.

“And it took off. People started buying my stuff,” McGee, a 28-year Salem resident who grew up in the Cleveland area, said.

“Honestly, I’m doing quite well here. I’m doing well enough to open a second location in Columbiana.”

That should happen in October, she said, explaining she moved into the upstairs location on Penn Ave. after talking to businesswoman Rhonda Hardesty, owner of Rhonda’s Dawggy Parlor, next door to McGee’s three-room boutique.

“We worked it out. It’s the perfect location,” she said, adding there is curbside service and any purchases from the Simply Scarves … And Such and from its group website (facebook.com/groups/simplyscarvesand such/) will be delivered right to the curb if the customer chooses.

Simply Scarves … And Such will also deliver to senior citizens at home, she said.

The three rooms are filled with what McGee calls “fun stuff” and since the store is owned and operated by a former retail insider who knows where and how to buy, with a constant eye on low overhead, McGee keeps prices down.

For example, she pointed to a national brand scarf that a large regional merchandiser tagged at $24. Simply Scarves … And Such had the identical item for $3.50.

“I have no overhead, container fees, taxes, I buy direct and it comes right to me,” McGee explained, adding that she buys from the same jobbers the major retailers use.

The combined result of her marketing formula is she sells what the major outlets do except at a fraction of what they charge.

“When I first opened people thought I was selling second-hand because the price was so low,” she said.

“No scarf is over eight dollars,” she said, except Ohio State licensed items.

Simply Scarves holds craft classes, wreath making classes and holds private doll parties and snap parties, all at affordable prices.

Simply Scarves recently held a wreath party at Crestview middle school for 30 people.

“We do all kinds of stuff. We plan it, call it and make it … theme parties, it’s affordable,” she said.

“I want it to be personalized. I want customers to have fun, enjoy their experience and know they’re getting a great shopping experience.

“This community has really been good to me. I’m really grateful,” she said of the people who have referred others to her.

“So many woman have passed it on to others, it’s very humbling.”

With a third, fourth and as many at 10 more stores planned out there, McGee realizes commitment to the community is important which is why she sponsors bowling and dance teams.

“It’s all about giving back to the community,” she said while recognizing that in today’s business world you “must have integrity.”

There are six consignees in the three Simply Scarves’ departments where purses and accessories are on display along with a “little girls room” and in the main showroom there are scarves, jewelry, candles and apparel that fills shelves and chrome display racks.

Featured merchandise includes Mosquito Creek Candles and Crafts with handmade candles and wreathes; Little Dollique with 18-inch doll clothes and accessories; Handita’s Creations featuring paper products, gift bags and cards; Bows by Grannie focuses on handmade bows; KSR Kreations spotlights hand-painted wine glasses and mugs; while Little Bathtique presents all natural lotions and bathroom products.

McGee said all her consignees are from the area with the furthest one from Niles and she is always looking for more.

She started Simply Scarves on $500 and said, “I’m living proof you can make something of something small. Every time I grow my business, other businesses and other women make money.”

Once named the employee of the year for a Fortune 500 company, McGee said she wanted to make a difference in women’s lives, noting she has worked like blazes.

“It’s all about customer service,” she said. “If I get a text message at 10 p.m. or a senior who can’t get up the steps. It’s all about them and making them feel special and getting the best. It’s huge for me.”

Hours are Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m.; Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.; and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and special shopping upon request. For more visit: facebook.com/groups/simplyscarvesand such/ or call 330-853-6851.

lshields@salemnews.net