Tucked between the famous and often bustling Brick Street Bar and Oxford’s Uptown Park, is a quaint boutique that has served the Oxford community for over 40 years.
The Apple Tree was opened in 1979 by Barb Clawson and originally began as a smaller gift shop. Clawson was a well-known businesswoman in the Oxford community, becoming the leading Oxford Realtor after obtaining her real estate license in 1982. Clawson was also a member of the first Oxford Chamber of Commerce.
In 2008, Clawson’s daughter, Cheri Corcoran, took over The Apple Tree and expanded the business to become a more expansive boutique.
The store carries various different products ranging from clothing to home decor. According to front-floor manager Amy Shlake, the store focuses on a “mother-daughter” style target audience.
“That could be a woman in her 30s, 40s, or 50s and a daughter, so we try to have things that meet both of those audiences,” said Shlake. “Our target is really more of the female, mother-daughter demographic.”
Like other businesses in Oxford, The Apple Tree is uniquely positioned compared to businesses elsewhere because much of its customer base is gone during summers and winters. Because of the proximity to Miami University, small businesses in Oxford derive much of their revenue from college students when they’re on campus.
According to Shlake, the business adjusts to the absence of students, but the effect is still felt.
“We use it as a time to get projects done, things we might not be able to do otherwise,” said Shlake. “With the students gone, it definitely impacts the business for those few months, and that’s one of the things that makes it difficult in Oxford.”
While operating in a college town comes with distinct disadvantages, there are positives to having a vibrant community of students for nine months. According to Shlake, The Apple Tree thrives during springtime specifically.
“Whether it’s mom’s weekend or dad’s weekend, those are huge for us because it brings so many people into town,” said Shlake. “Our staffing increases, we have more merchandise than normal, which is a great thing because we’re happy to do it.”
Additionally, the City of Oxford has been crucial in assisting businesses during summer months.
“The community of Oxford has things they’ve planned, and those are really key for us because they’re bringing people into town,” said Shlake.
Sales associate Maggie Eason said Miami University has proved helpful during the summertime as well.
“Miami has events like soccer camps; there’s a cheer camp that goes on,” said Eason. “All of those little camps definitely help and the alumni weekends as well. But there’s also a lot of customers that enjoy the quieter store so it’s always great to see them over the summer.”
The Apple Tree is located at 28 E High St, Oxford, Ohio. The store operates 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
