Bug’s Boys

When Elisabeth Branch’s son Charles turned 1, she had trouble finding clothing she liked for him.

Within a few months Branch had opened her own store in the place she has called home since she was her son’s age. Named after Branch’s childhood nickname “Ladybug,” Bug’s Boys carries unique clothing for infants, toddlers and boys up to size 20.

Three more children and 14 years later, the business is still going strong for Branch.

“Customers love not having to go through all the girls’ things just to find a small rack for boys,” Branch said. “They’re always amazed that it’s mainly a boy’s store.”

Still, after Branch welcomed a daughter, Janie, to the family, Bug’s Boys incorporated infant girls’ clothing, which now makes up about 10 percent of the store.

“We have things that you wouldn’t find in a department store,” Branch said. “We don’t buy in mass, so hopefully you wouldn’t see yourself walking around everywhere.”

The boutique carries various boys’ accessories, gifts and high-quality clothing lines such as Wes and Willy and Kissy Kissy. Customers can find anything from Jon Jons to blazers and smocked clothing to knitwear.

Branch goes market shopping in search of items that will last throughout the season.

“We go from [onesies with] bubbles to blazers, button-downs, ties and khaki pants,” Branch said. “We just help [customers] through the natural growth of boys.”

When customers come in, especially if they are new or expectant moms, she advises them on how to pick clothing that their children can grow with.

For example, larger-sized, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are needed in autumn. Rolling the clothing to shorten the length will allow the child to grow into the clothing, Branch said.

She also tells inquisitive customers about what their boys do and do not need, depending on their environment. Play clothes for children apt to get messy are a must if they are out and about. But something cuter and more clean-cut fits a child who mostly stays inside.

Still, Branch strongly advises customers to have children try on the clothes and make sure they have room to grow before they make a purchase, if possible.

As her children grow and the business ages, Branch finds herself now catering to former employees and their babies as well as longtime customers from Mountain Brook and their grandchildren.

“This is my village,” Branch said. “This is where I grew up. This is where I live, and we’ll [always] be right here.”