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