CHICAGO — A beloved women’s clothing boutique in Beverly will shut its doors next month after serving the South Side community for over 15 years.
Jamenda McCoy, founder and CEO of Belle Up Boutique, announced she will close the store at 1915 W. 103rd St. on July 31, marking the end of an era for a business that began as a maternity shop and grew into a local fashion staple.
From Maternity Niche To Community Favorite
When McCoy launched Belle Up in 2009 on 111th Street in Mount Greenwood, her goal was to fill a gap in the South Side’s maternity wear market. At the time, there were no maternity stores between downtown Chicago and Orland Park — something McCoy found surprising for a family-focused area like Beverly.
By 2014, the boutique relocated to Beverly, just a short walk from McCoy’s home. Over time, Belle Up expanded beyond maternity clothing, offering women’s fashion, accessories, and jewelry to meet growing customer demand.
“We had customers come to us and say, ‘We love your style, but we’re not having any more babies,’” McCoy said, reflecting on how the store’s evolution was shaped by its loyal customer base.
A Short-Lived Expansion Into Hyde Park And Mag Mile
In 2015, McCoy ambitiously opened two additional locations: one in Hyde Park and another on the Magnificent Mile within the Shops at North Bridge. However, both locations eventually closed — Hyde Park in 2016, and the downtown spot a year later.
Despite those closures, Belle Up remained a neighborhood anchor in Beverly, building a reputation for personal service and trend-savvy offerings.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next For McCoy?
A trained attorney, McCoy was not originally in retail but ventured into the business to meet a community need. Now, with her children headed to college and a new phase of life beginning, McCoy said it’s time to step back.
“I want to enjoy my time with them and see what my next chapter is,” she said.
The storefront space is now being marketed as a “prime retail opportunity” in the heart of Beverly, leaving neighbors to wonder what kind of business might move in next.
“I don’t know what’s coming next, but I hope it’s exciting because I think the community deserves that,” McCoy added.
Have memories of shopping at Belle Up or stories about other long-standing neighborhood businesses closing? Share your thoughts with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
