Asheville native Dema Badr, who operated a women’s clothing boutique a decade ago in downtown, has returned with a new shop, Scout Boutique, in Biltmore Village.
The shop features clothing by local designers, as well as pieces she buys through her fashion industry connections. The shop also has a small consignment section. It is located at 18 Brook Street, suite 102, just across the street from Catawba Brewing’s tasting room.
Badr ran Zakya clothing boutique from 2006 through ’08 on Haywood Street, an experience she says taught her a lot about the retail business. That shop focused on higher-end pieces aimed at a younger, touristy crowd, says Badr, while Scout’s offerings today are “casual, affordable and aimed at the locals,” says Badr. “They’re ready-to-wear pieces.”
“If you listen to customers, they’ll tell you exactly what they’re looking for,” she says. “I was 23 years old when I had my first shop. Now I’m older, and I’m seeing a lot more practicality in how people dress. All my friends are moms now.” 
So the idea with Scout is “to bring in the beautiful” with the useful, Badr says. “I want to help people who have to be on duty look great Monday through Friday.”
Badr, whose family is well known in Asheville (her parents own Asheville Discount Pharmacy, and her sister is an attorney with Ward and Smith law firm), says she’s looking forward to outfitting customers with affordable summer clothing. She says she’s also interested in bringing in more local clothing designers such as Elise Olsen, a River Arts District artist that she currently includes, as well as other designers (including jewelry designers).