photo by: Joselyn King

A patron checks out offerings during the YWCA Wheeling’s “Y-Not-Repeat” $10 Bag Sale.

The YWCA Wheeling’s new “Y-Not-Repeat” Boutique now occupies the space in the basement where the building’s pool once attracted the public, and a special sale at the boutique appeared to go swimmingly on Wednesday and Thursday.

The wait has been lengthy, but the boutique is now filled with clothing and ready for customers.

Patrons had the opportunity Wednesday and Thursday to view the new boutique and take home a bag of clothing for just $10. A soft opening for the boutique, meanwhile, is set for next week. The boutique will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day between Sept. 2-5.

After that, the YWCA Wheeling will decide when it will be officially open to stay, explained Liz Handzus, director of marketing and development for YWCA Wheeling.

“We’re going to see how the soft opening goes to see if we need to reconstruct anything,” Handzus said. “We’re trying to put everything together for finalization, but that will come out after Sept. 5.”

The popular boutique was closed as $11 million in renovations and construction took place at the YWCA Wheeling. Its former location on the first floor is set to become The Health Plan Health and Learning Center.

“Everyone is really excited,” Handzus said of the boutique’s re-opening. “It is kind of the final piece of construction. There are small things in the building, but this is the final thing they were working on to complete the puzzle.”

There is still some painting that needs to be finished, and the sitting area in the main foyer is awaiting furniture, she added.

“We’re working on a donor appreciation campaign where placards will be placed there to honor donors who gave throughout the campaign,” Handzus said.

The boutique now has its own entrance on the bank side of the YWCA building, though patrons are encouraged to still park on the street and not in the bank’s parking lot, Handzus said.

The YWCA is located at 1100 Chapline St., Wheeling.