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New boutique in College Park

By Allison Trobiano

On April 5, 2011

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Avid College Park shoppers who have been longing for more local clothing stores will find themselves on cloud nine this week, literally, with the opening of a boutique.

The boutique, On Cloud 9, held its grand opening on Friday, March 11 at its new College Park location. Currently there is one other location in Potomac.

Offering a wide variety of clothing, jewelry, and other accessories, On Cloud 9 became one of the very few boutiques in College Park that are geared towards the city's high population of college-aged females.

Owner Carol Gowling told the Diamondback that she opened the original location due to a lack of children's clothing stores for high-end formal attire. She said that raising her five children with no available stores to purchase them Bar and Bat Mitzvah attire was difficult and her inspiration for the boutique.

Now, with a daughter attending the University of Maryland, Gowling used the same inspiration to provide college-aged females like her daughter a fashion-oriented store.

In the front of the boutique, located on College Avenue directly across the street from the university, there are more casual clothes that are for everyday wear, such as going to class. As you head towards the back end, the clothes become fancier, and include dresses, skirts, and nice tops. These items are for more formal events or those students going to bars and clubs at nights.

"I'm so happy to finally have a clothing store here in College Park that has all of the things I'm looking for," said senior business major Kelly Chahanovich. "To go shopping is usually such an excursion, but now I have an option right down the street."

On Cloud 9 celebrated last week's grand opening with a party and some saving opportunities for customers. Anyone who went was given a complimentary reusable bag and 20 percent off coupon. Snacks and beverages were also provided.

"The grand opening was great," said junior finance major Melissa Winters. "A lot of girls are excited about On Cloud 9, and I think it's going to do really well here."