Japanesque in Bethany Beach turns 30

Stuck at a dead-end job in Washington, D.C., Betsy Clark took a trip abroad to teach conversational English in Japan.

In her free time, Clark explored the country's unique shopping experiences. Clark fell in love with the Japanese products, and a light bulb went off in her head for a retail store back in the United States.

"I thought to myself 'Wouldn't it be fun to show what I've found so interesting and enjoyable to others in the states?'" Clark said.

She transformed her parents' Bethany Beach apartment into a store called Japanesque. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the store, which sells everything from traditional Japanese robes to wind chimes and pottery.

During the store's first two years, Clark only opened Japanesque during the summertime. The store saw quite a bit of success during the first year, which Clark said she was thrilled about. Building off this success, Clark and her family decided Japanesque deserved a larger location. Clark's family built Bethany Station, where Japanesque stands today.

"That's when I stopped playing store and became a real store," Clark said.

Clark said she owes Japanesque's success to the store's customers but also to her employees. She described her employees as both dedicated and loyal.

As a boss, Clark tries to radiate excitement and positivity for her employees. In honing her leadership style, Clark referenced personal experiences with her former employers.

"I think that definitely helps me try to give 100 percent to my employees," Clark said.

Japanesque attracts a wide variety of customers.

Clark explained she tries to have products that will appeal to all people of all ages. For children, Clark has traditional Japanese toys and Hello Kitty products. For women, there's beach-inspired clothing and incense. Clark admits the store is primarily targeted toward women; however, she does stock silk ties for the men.

Looking forward, Clark revealed she does not know what the future holds for Japanesque. She's taking business one day at a time. Clark said Japanesque is a true brick-and-mortar store because it is not online. However, Clark remains optimistic about brick-and-mortar stores, like Japanesque.

"People don't understand how important it is to keep the uniqueness in brick-and-mortar stores going," she said.

In celebration of Japanesque's 30th anniversary, Clark said the store would like to thank its customers by offering them 30 percent off as well as free gifts and tokens.

"For those people who've never been in, its not too late, we'd love to see you," Clark said.

IF YOU GO

Japanesque

Where: 16 Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach

Call: 302-539-2311

Visit: www.japanesquebethany.com