Marguerite’s Conceits

Marguerite Ray has always had a passion for conceits, the Victorian term for “fanciful objects.” She loves any chance she gets to use her interior design degree, and going the extra mile to do so has been essential to her identity. 

For the past 20 years she has owned Marguerite’s Conceits, a name perfectly describing the items Ray wanted to sell. Plus, it rhymes. 

Marguerite’s Conceits is known for carrying high-end linens such as Bella Notte, Matouk, Ann Gish, Utility Canvas and Serena and Lily. Beyond fine linens, the boutique also sells baby gifts, luggage, neighborhood candles (named after greater Birmingham’s neighborhoods), kitchen soaps, picture frames and more. Her product selection is based on years cultivating taste in interiors.

After graduating from Samford University in 1986, Ray worked a string of jobs where she repeatedly moved up from part-time drafter to manager. Her father, Peter Bolvig, told her that she should own her own business if she was going to work so hard. 

“I’m somewhat of a workaholic,” said Ray, a resident of English Village. 

In 1991, Ray opened Table Matters with a partner and began selling high-end tabletop décor. Two years later, she sold her share of the business and opened her own boutique. 

Although Marguerite’s sells luxury items, Ray also tries to provide mid-range products.

“It’s hard to compete with the Internet, the superstores and the discounted websites,” Ray said. “Offering really good customer service is what’s keeping our customers coming back.”

Ray’s service goes beyond gift-wrapping and a friendly face greeting you at the door. Upon request, some customers receive free “house calls,” where Ray visits their home and advises on the type of bedding and other accessories that would best accentuate rooms.

She relishes the opportunity to pick out lavish and designer pajamas, bubble bath soaps, lotion, candles and more to create a relaxing and luxurious living environment. From the moment therapeutic aromas hit your nose to the moment an employee beautifully wraps your purchase, Marguerite’s Conceits is designed to create a happy and homey atmosphere. 

Ray admits that almost everything in the store is “fluff,” but guarantees that it brings happiness.