LEWISTON – After three years of helping women get a well-heeled foot in the door of opportunity, Classy Lady Boutique is closing.

The shop, which offers gently worn professional clothing and mentoring services to women returning to the work force, plans Jan. 21 as its final day of operation.

“Unfortunately, our retail sales do not support our expenses and we must close,” said a prepared release from the nonprofit’s board of directors.

The boutique opened in October 2004, the undertaking of a group of local women who were looking for a way to help other women return to the workforce. Free mentoring services were offered by businesswomen, and professional clothing was offered at thrift store prices. More than 60 women were helped by Classy Lady volunteers.

The shop is liquidating its inventory, pricing everything at $1. Hours of operation are Wednesday, noon to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Directors are hoping to continue the mentoring services and are looking for a base of operation, according to the release.

The shop, which had been at 165 Lisbon St., moved to its current location at 272 Main St. in 2006. In December of that year, a fire destroyed the boutique’s inventory, but it reopened with new donations soon thereafter.

– Carol Coultas