SWAMPSCOTT — After nearly four decades, Infinity Boutique bids a fashion farewell to Swampscott.
Pauline Spirito, who started the clothing business 37 years ago in her home, said it’s time to close the doors and concentrate on herself and her health. The long-time business owner decided not to renew her lease last December and was hoping she could find a new home by the end of March.
After months of searching, none of the locations she looked at were the right fit, she said.
“It’s definitely bittersweet,” Spirito said. “I have some days that I become very emotional, as I am right now, but it’s all for the good. I know there is definitely more to come and more things that I want to do. I’m not totally closing this chapter.”
The fashion connoisseur started the business out of her closet before moving to her first location near Fisherman’s Crossing in 1982. Fifteen years later Spirito moved the business to 427 Paradise Rd., the shop’s currently location.
To thank Swampscott residents for their years of loyal business, Spirito is throwing a farewell luncheon at the boutique on Saturday, March 23. Shop lovers are invited to a final celebration with a free catered meal, from 12-5 p.m., courtesy of Spirito.
“With closing, I didn’t want it to be a funeral, I wanted a celebration of almost 40 years in business,” she said. “The entire community, my former employees and staff, and everyone who has given me the love and loyalty all these years, I wanted to give something back to them.”
Spirito will be supporting Ruth’s Way, a non-profit community organization focused on assisting women in recovery, homeless women, and female veterans. She asks guests of the event to bring donations of toiletries, paper products, or non-perishable food items to place in a bin at the front of the store.
Up until the luncheon, Spirito and her team will sell all remaining boutique items with final days special prices.
While it may be farewell for now, Spirito said it won’t be forever. After taking some much-needed time for herself, she said she could see herself opening pop-up shops or mentoring college students interested in business.
“I am not fully out of the retail business yet,” Spirito said. “It’s in my blood.”
