Barefoot Princess, located at 67 North Somerset Street, Unit 101, is celebrating three years at their Alys Beach location on Tuesday, February 11 with a “Galentine’s” Sip and Shop event.
Barefoot Princess, founded by local husband and wife, Robert and Lindsey Tidwell, is a premier women’s boutique offering apparel and accessories from a carefully sourced selection of renowned brands, including Holly Shae, L’Agence, Lavi, Lilly Pulitzer, Lusana, Positano, Spartina, Summer Away, Sunshine ’79, Trina Turk, White + Warren, and more. However, the store is always evolving and bringing in new brands to satisfy customers and stay on trend with the latest styles.
After being in their Watercolor location for over 15 years, Tidwell made the move to Alys Beach to expand and showcase their wide variety of apparel and accessories for young girls, including bows, dresses, and jewelry, as well as women’s high-end accessories, hats, and clothing.
“After being in Watercolor for 15 years, we are so happy to be in our new home in Alys Beach,” said Tidwell. “While we became known in the community as the largest retailer of Lilly Pulitzer, our team has created the perfectly crafted variety of brands for our customers over the past three years in Alys. Some of these brands are exclusive to our store and we are proud to bring them to the locals and visitors who shop with us year after year.”
The Tidwells also own Tidwell & Son, Barefoot’s neighboring brother store, offering a selection of men’s and boy’s apparel, footwear, hats, and accessories from a selection of top-tier brands including Peter Millar, Southern Tide, Chubbies, and Johnnie-O. Throughout the years, the Tidwells and their stores have participated in many charitable community events including the Seaside Neighborhood School’s Annual Taste of the Race and Half Marathon, the Tom Glavine’s Field of Dreams Golf Outing, the 30A 10K, and various events held at their four children’s schools and church, St. Rita’s Catholic Church.
“We try to give back in any way we can throughout the year,” Tidwell said. “If it means donating an auction item, serving water for runners during a race, or going out to support, we will be there. It’s important to our team and our family to support our community and give back to the loyal customers who have shopped with us and supported us throughout the years.”
Another important aspect of the business the Tidwells are passionate about is fostering a community with their employees. Whether seasonal or full-time, Lindsey sets time aside to mentor her staff and provide them with a meaningful, learning experience working in a family owned and operated business.
“If they’re with us for three months in the summer, or year-round, I try to show them the behind the scenes of what it takes to find these brands, go to market, and bring them to our customers,” said Tidwell. “I want them to feel a part of the family and a part of the business as a whole.”
To commemorate the three-year anniversary of the Alys Beach location, the community is invited to the Barefoot Princess from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m to enjoy dessert, refreshments from Good Clean Wine and Grayton Beer Company, and exclusive pop-up shops from local retailers. Beachy Blooms will be in attendance for guests to create their own Valentine’s flower bouquet, while The Spark Collection will be offering a permanent welded jewelry experience. Seagems by Karah will also be displaying her extensive charm bar for shoppers to build and customize their own, curated charm necklace.
“We are delighted to celebrate Barefoot Princess’ third anniversary as part of the Merchants of Alys Beach family,” said Ashley Watkins, merchant manager of Alys Beach. “In addition to outfitting women and children for an elevated and fun coastal lifestyle, events like Barefoot Princess’ upcoming Galentine’s Sip and Shop are instrumental to welcoming people into Alys Beach – residents and visitors alike – to experience the ever-evolving vibrance of our Town Center.”
This event is free and open to the public to attend. Barefoot Princess will also host additional Sip and Shop events throughout the year. To learn more about Barefoot Princess and future events, visit https://www.barefootprincess30a.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
