Downtown's Mustang Sally is Closing, What's Coming There Next?

SAN ANGELO, TX – Mustang Sally is a store that carries it all.  Clothes, accessories, boots, furniture, decor and gifts.  They have a website, a Facebook page, and an Instagram.  Although their store front closes Friday of this week, they will continue online sales through social media for another month, Amy said.  She is also considering having a booth in the new project that will be located in the historic building on E. Concho Ave.

We caught up with the busy Amy Hill, owner of Mustang Sally, 20 E. Concho Ave. downtown, to talk to her about the popular local downtown boutique, and her future.  Mustang Sally is a local boutique originally owned by Parks & Kathy Tucker, then sold to Amy Hill two years ago as of March 1, once they were ready to step out of that role.

Amy said what attracted her to buying Mustang Sally was the style.  "I am a cowgirl at heart.  I've always said I have a split personality when it comes to style.  One day I might be in business professional, the next a casual jeans and t-shirt, then Friday night jeans and boots.  I felt like Mustang Sally had all of that.  It is a fun store and I tried to keep it that way."

Not long after purchasing the business, Amy moved it down the road into the iconic J.Wilde's building next to Miss Hatties.  Amy had shopped with Joyce Wilde often previous to J.Wilde's closing.  "It was a blessing in disguise because the building is so beautiful and really fit the personality of Mustang Sally.  Also, it made it easy to tell people how to find Mustang Sally by telling them it was in the J.Wilde building. Amy had custom-made decor for the store to fit the look by One of One.  Amy said she was extremely happy to partner with Joyce Wilde.

What was the best part of owning a retail store in San Angelo?

"The people. I work in the service business at the Waterford Wellness Spa as a clinical esthetician, facialist, for over 20 years.  I love people.  This is a different avenue of people, when you just have random people walk in differently everyday.  And everyone has a story.  You can tell  by their style or what event they are shopping for and develop an immediate relationship with whoever comes in here."

"Also, I have had the best luck with staff.  I have some incredible girls.  That's one of the big downsides to letting go of this place.  I've been very blessed and I'm very thankful.  I just wish them the best!"

What was the difficulty of owning a retail space in downtown San Angelo?

"The difficulty of a retail space in downtown San Angelo is that downtown is such a tourist attraction that people visiting naturally come down here, but people who live in San Angelo forget to shop here.  Knickerbocker Road and Sherwood Way are such high traffic roads with boutiques, restaurants and bars and people want to go out of town to shop, too.  They forget about the amazing stores downtown. Concho Avenue is not on the main road and all downtown is a destination, but once you get down here you are glad to be here.  It only takes 10-15 minutes to get anywhere in town instead of staying and shopping in the part of town where you live."

What are you going to do with all your free time now?

"I try not to complain about being busy when I am.  I am an extrovert and a busy body.  Part of closing Mustang Sally is to put myself in check and regain balance.  When I am where I am, I am 100%.  But I am usually running from one place to the next and running around in circles can wear you down."

Many people may not know that along with a full time position at The Waterford Wellness Spa, Amy is also on Staff at The First Presbyterian Church as the youth director.  She has a family, too!  This woman has worked hard in the San Angelo community as an entrepreneur, parent and as a Christian leader in this community.  Not many of us could boast half the accomplishments of Mrs. Hill.

What is your take away from owning Mustang Sally?

"I'm grateful for getting to fulfill my dream of owning a boutique.  It was lots of fun, joy and hard work.  The harder the work the more fun it can be.  When you are surrounded by good people - you can't help but to have fun."

We also discussed how online shopping impacted Mustang Sally.  Mustang Sally does have an online sales outlet (see above for the links,) but more and more people are shopping online and forgoing the in-person experience of shopping at brick and mortar stores. In fact, being local and shopping local is so important to Amy that Mustang Sally has a gift gallery made of items curated by local vendors and artisans. It's called The Gift Gallery.  This area will stay in the building as it morphs into it's next phase of life.

What is next for 20 East Concho Avenue?

"Joyce Wilde is going to reopen in the location.  This time it will be called "J.Wilde Junk in the City," with interior vintage decor and items.  We may keep a section in the store for Mustang Sally.  Also the seamstress that served people at Mustang Sally will still be here, Katherine McFadin of Sew'n-dipity Studio. The Gift Gallery of local vendors and artisans will continue here as well."

Mustang Sally closes their doors for good tomorrow, on Good Friday.  Amy says they technically close at 6 p.m., however they will be here late preparing to move everything out Saturday.  If their doors are open you are welcome to come shop.  Also, their online accounts will be active for another month or so, Amy expects.