What may seem like a hidden gem on Lee Drive in Baton Rouge is actually one of the main Birkenstock distributors in the South. Earthly Concerns / Bayou Birkenstock is loved by many, including one of its current staff members and longtime shoppers.
Sarah Corie was just any other residential assistant working in Laville Hall when she was offered the opportunity to take a semester abroad and travel to Spain. She needed extra money for her awaiting European adventures, so during her junior year in 2016, she applied to the boutique of her dreams, Earthly Concerns.
She grew up in the store, shopping there at a young age with her family. She recalls fond memories at the shop and wanting to eventually work there.
“I have loved coming here since I was little, Corie said. “It’s always been a fun store to shop at.”
Corie graduated from the University in May 2017 with a degree in sociology, and is one of many employees who were regulars at Earthly Concerns prior to working there. Currently, there are seven employees in the shop, which is owned by Bill Lovejoy.
Lovejoy has owned many stores over the years, most of which have been in New Orleans. Earthly Concerns has been open for roughly 21 years and is one of his oldest stores. It sells a variety of things, which brings in a diverse crowd.
“It is truly a timeless store, with its mixture of shoes, beauty supplies, candles and other beautiful items,” said shopper and mass communication freshman Grace Millsap.
Earthly Concerns’ shoes are one of its main attractions. They sell many different brands, but they all have the element of comfort in common. Many people are sent to Earthly Concerns from their doctors to purchase comfortable shoes. The store carries many brands that are specially made for people with foot problems and others that are just nice quality.
Birkenstock is one of the most popular brands that Earthly Concerns sells. The store is a large retailer for Birkenstocks in the South, so they receive limited-time offers and specialized shoes from them. They have a large range of Birkenstocks with many different colors, designs and sizes for all. The store also sells Toms, Chacos and other luxury shoes.
“Mr. Lovejoy really knows how to pick brands and styles,” Corie said. “He always has new styles of shoes, but remains loyal to his trusted brands.”
Lovejoy has sold Birkenstocks since the store’s opening in 1996. He said he likes Birkenstocks because they are investment pieces that last for years.
The store’s motto is “uncommon gifts for the finest taste.” Besides shoes, they sell candles, bath products, jewelry and other items. Many of the brands that Lovejoy sells are locally made, such as Mimosa Jewelry, which is made by an artist located in Baton Rouge.
Earthly Concerns will be selling many of these products and their shoes for a reduced price at their annual tent sale in April. The annual sale has been a tradition for several years now and brings in shoppers from all over the Baton Rouge area.
“I am so happy that I get to work at a store like this,” Corie said. “It really isn’t your average boutique.”
Earthly Concerns showcases its footwear and uncommon gifts on Lee Drive in Baton Rouge on Thursday, March 15, 2018.
