A clothing store and an auto parts business are two of Patterson’s newest establishments, opening locally within the months of June and July.

Boutique right on trend

Beautiful Elements Boutique, owned by Gwen Smith, opened on North Third Street on July 20.

The boutique features contemporary-style clothing that can be worn for a night on the town or a party or just to feel special, Smith said.

“I’ve always had a thing for fashion trends,” Smith said. “I’ve been trying to open a business for the last three years but bought a house first.”

Smith moved from Livermore with her four children, Shalandus, 17, Daniel, 15, Davion, 13, and Destiny, 9. She also works as a driver for Federal Express in Modesto.

She spent the past couple of weeks setting up the shop with the help of her family.

On Thursday, Aug. 2, Destiny kept her mother company at the boutique.

“My mom worked really hard on the store,” she said.

Smith, who said she is building her inventory, stocks clothing in misses to extra-large sizes and will soon have plus sizes. She offers jewelry, purses and even nail polish and plans to add cosmetics.

Beautiful Elements, 36 N. Third St., is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday.

Auto parts staff always attentive

When Nikki Vasquez, first assistant manager of O’Reilly Auto Parts in Patterson, worked at the O’Reilly store in Turlock, there was one question she was asked frequently.

“People from Patterson who shopped at the store asked me when O’Reilly would open in Patterson,” said Vasquez, who has worked for the company for 20 years.

Now, Patterson residents have their own O’Reilly Auto Parts store on Sperry Avenue, which opened Saturday, June 23.

O’Reilly offers automotive supplies, air filters, oil and oil filters, tools, performance parts, light bulbs, car wash supplies and tow hitches, among other items. The store has 11 staff members, Vasquez said.

Last weekend, O’Reilly hosted a grand-opening celebration, attracting many new customers. Vasquez said other local residents are welcome to drop in.

“We want to thank the community for welcoming us,” Vasquez said. “We’re glad we’re here.”

O’Reilly Auto Parts, 248 Sperry Ave., is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. For information: 895-3754.

Local businesses that are new to town or have news to share may call Maddy Houk at 892-6187.