Betsy's of Ligonier celebrates 25 years of casual style

Betsy's of Ligonier is celebrating 25 years of business the only way they know how — with heaps of cake and style.

The popular retailer was founded by Betsy Cannon who ran the business for five years. Debbie Sarault and her husband, David, originally from Connecticut, were looking for a clothing store that was looking to sell. Cannon was interested.

“I thought we would keep the store open for five years,” said Sarault. “Time has gone by so fast.”

Sarault admits she didn't know who the ‘Betsy's customer' was when she started. Her husband had a background in retail, but she was new to the business.

“It took three years to get a real understanding,” she said. “I tried cruise [apparel] and dresses, and that was not our customer. We sell ladies' casual apparel. That is our niche.”

Betsy's may stick to casual ladies garb, but they've seen their fair share of fads come and go.

“We used to sell red hats galore and matching jewelry,” said Sarault, noting the women of the Red Hat Society shopped Betsy's frequently. “We also used to sell a lot of stuffed cats we placed throughout the store. Families with relatives in nursing homes liked to buy them.”

Ligonier residents help to keep business afloat during January and February. But Sarault notes people from Pittsburgh, Johnstown and Washington, D.C. are regular Betsy's shoppers.

“This is a destination,” she said. “People have told me when they come to Ligonier, Betsy's is their first stop.”

Over the years, the store required renovations to ease their growing pains. Like many businesses along Main Street in Ligonier, Betsy's was originally a residence. The Saraults created a clearance and stockroom space on the second floor.

In October 2014, two longtime employees, Louise Wagner and Ann Lane, both of Ligonier, retired after 14 years with Betsy's.

“Both women have moved on to spend time with their grandchildren,” said Sarault. “But they continue to help when we need it.”

This led to new hires and according to Sarault, a “new generation of Betsy girls.”

Betsy's currently has five part-time employees: Kathy Brown, Judy Hoffer, Judy Irwin, Tommie Kornecke and Alyssa Lape.

“The atmosphere, customers and (Sarault) make coming to work feel good,” said Hoffer, a five-year employee of Betsy's.

“Betsy's is geared toward customer service,” said Sarault. “As a small store, you have to be geared toward service like that. And I have always liked working with the public.”

It was Cannon that took Sarault to her first clothing trade show and “got her on her feet.” She continues to stop into Betsy's every now and then with her family.

“I believe Cannon is very proud and happy that Betsy's has continued,” said Sarault. “I've had failures, but I've learned so much. I've seen our store grow and mature.”

On Father's Day weekend, Betsy's is also offering customers 25 percent off of their total purchases.

Chloe Wertz is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.