Lorraine Reidda, left, and co-owner Judy McDaniel. Photo by Megan Braun, for the Salisbury Post.

By Megan Braun

For the Salisbury Post

Friends since 1968, Judy McDaniel, Esther Smith and Hilda Bost have recently taken on a new adventure ­in the retail world. Named after their deceased mothers, Dorothy “Dot” Ford, Dorothy “Dot” Atkins, and Lonnie Mae Parrish, their Two Dots and a Mae retail store was formed.

With their mothers in mind, the women wanted to open a business that would ultimately give back to the community. The idea came about while the three were volunteering together.

“Our mothers taught us the art of dressing fashionably on a very limited budget. We wanted to pass that on to others in the community by offering quality items at reasonable prices,” Smith said. “We are the little store with a little bit of something for everybody!”

Her statement is true, since the business offers a growing selection of men’s clothing, including suits and name brand jeans, along with formal wear, children’s clothing, and household items.

Having opened their doors in the Kent Center at 917-C S. Main St. on Oct. 24, the business began with mostly donated items from family and friends. Now, they are beginning to accept consignments.

Lorraine Reidda, a consigner and shopper at Two Dots and a Mae, said the store is needed in the area.

“I like the set-up. The owners are helpful and friendly, and are doing a really good job,” Reidda said.

The goal of the store is to bring the personal touch by offering a customized selection of merchandise based on customer needs and wants. Shoppers can fill out a customer card when visiting the store, detailing specific items they are looking for.

“We want to establish relationships with our customers and form a sense of community,” Smith said.

In efforts to give back, the business plans to donate 10 percent of their profits quarterly to a local church or non-profit organization.

Two Dots and a Mae is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 pm. Boasting a bright yellow sign with red lettering, the store is hard to miss.

The store is located behind Swicegood & Co. Hair Salon, next to Naple’s Café. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Consignments are accepted by appointment only. Contact the store at 704-433-7091, twodotsandamae@gmail.com or go to their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/twodotsandamae2015