Annapolis Retail: Wegdams Open Sixth Store

Tara and Ben Wegdam opened the doors to their newest retail location on Francis Street in downtown Annapolis on Thursday.

The new store, named Creme de la Creme, is the sixth business operated by the husband and wife team. It is their second location in Anne Arundel County. The shop features home goods inspired by French and Italian design styles.

The couple started the company in 2000 in Middleburg, Virginia. Ben Wegdam said the business has expanded steadily since that time. He explained that the team looks for fun locations with high customer traffic. He called downtown Annapolis the perfect spot for that purpose. Tara Wegdam noted that the neighborhood has both visitors and residents. She said the area suits a store where shoppers personalize their spaces. She also pointed out that no similar store was already operating in the city.

The Wegdams said their stores share information to improve operations. Managers from all six locations meet every week to discuss products and merchandise displays. Ben Wegdam said the team moves quickly when a good location becomes available.

The grand opening attracted a mix of new visitors and regular customers. Tara Wegdam said meeting new people was a highlight of the day. She noted that some longtime clients came by, including one wearing Creme de la Creme clothing. The company sells apparel alongside its home goods. Tara Wegdam said she enjoyed hearing how customers use their purchases. She said some shoppers were happy the store opened because they had recently moved to the area.

The new shop is part of a wave of commercial growth in the region. The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation reported that nearly 60 new or expanding businesses joined the county in May and June of this year.