Our Story
Flora Ottimer opened her children’s boutique on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1945.
Flora’s children’s boutique became a local gem that South Florida natives and visiting families depended on for the next 40 years. Whether looking for the perfect gift for a friend’s newborn or stocking up on Holiday and birthday surprises, everyone knew Flora Ottimer was the place to shop for their loved ones.
In 1984, Flora Ottimer Children’s Boutique sold to a new and beloved local family in Fort Lauderdale. Mary Welker took the reins and maintained and continued to grow the shop's sterling reputations as the loveliest children’s boutique in town. The store remained on Las Olas until 2017, when it moved to the Galleria Mall. In 2021, after years of building community and friendships, Mary chose to retire and pass on her legacy. She now has a lot more time to spend with her two grandchildren!
As the new owner of Flora Ottimer, I promise to bring more of the trusted quality, classic style, and personal service our customers have come to expect. I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, and grew up shopping at Flora Ottimer with my family. I am the mother of two small children and have over 15 of experience in the retail and wholesale apparel business. We are planning on opening a new store in the near future and I cannot wait meet all of Flora Ottimer’s lifelong and loyal customers in person!
