Aberdeen’s: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Le Top interviewed one of our favorite Facebook friends and top premier store retailers for this Friday’s “Store Spotlight” – Aberdeen’s.  Boutique owner, Megan Needham, tells us about treating a customer right, funny quotes she has heard in her store and her favorite Le Top Fall collection.

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1.     Where did the name Aberdeen’s come from?
Megan: The previous owner’s husband went to Aberdeen’s University!

2.     You probably have seen hundreds of mommies and daddies come through your store and hear them speaking with their children – what is the funniest or sweetest thing you have heard come out of a child’s mouth recently?
Megan: I recently heard a child say, “Mommy, you have to keep an eye on me, I’m very curious.”

3.      What is one special fact about your store that a typical customer wouldn’t know?
Megan: I have owned the store now for 3 years. I take pride that I am at the store every day and have no employees.

4.     What sets you apart as a successful children’s store?
Megan: Customer service. I put in a lot of time at the store and have gotten to know my customers on a very personal level.

5.     Are you a native? Describe the neighborhood your store is in.
Megan: I don’t live directly in Grand Haven, but I live just north, and would love to move to Grand Haven in the future. Aberdeen’s is located in a great little downtown area that is just a walk away from Lake Michigan.

6.     What type of clothing did you wear growing up as kid?
Megan: I wore a mixture of dresses and casual clothing, and in the summer I practically lived in my bathing suit. (who doesn’t as a child, right?)

7.     What tip would you give to a parent dressing a child?
Megan: Buying higher-priced quality clothing is worth it in the long run – it holds up better, so that it can be worn a lot more and passed down through many children.

8.     Today, kid’s “live for” super heroes like Dora the Explorer or Buzz Light Year.  Growing up I am sure you had some sort of child super hero – For example, Rainbow Bright, Batman, Spider Man, Scooby Doo, etc. Who was your hero and why?
Megan: I didn’t watch a lot of TV when I was a child, some movies… but I never really had a specific hero that I lived for. I did, however, have a grey cat stuffed animal that I wanted to be! 🙂

9.     If you had one piece of advice for someone trying to break into children’s retail, what would it be?
Megan: Customer service! Be sure to treat your customer right, do whatever you can for them, get to know them and what they want!

10.     What is your best or most memorable moment in your store?
Megan: When we first bought the store 3 years ago, we had very little time to find a location to move the store into. We had only two days to get the space that we rented ready before we moved in! It was a lot of hard work (phew!), but well worth it in the end!

11.     What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line do you love from the Fall/Holiday 2010 collection?
Megan: The Gentle Giraffes (boy and girl) collection!

Aberdeen’s Clothing for Children
207 Washington
Grand Haven, MI 49417
616.850.8820
http://www.aberdeenschildren.com/

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The Toggery: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Check out this week’s “Store Spotlight” with The Toggery in Little Rock, Arkansas. So what is the meaning of “toggery”? Phil Olinghouse, owner of The Toggery children’s store tells us about what The Toggery means to him and about his fun “Elf on the Shelf” blog type items, where he shopped as a kid, and the evolution of his store since its inception in1948.

 tog·ger·y  (tg-r, tôg-)
n. pl. tog·ger·ies
1. Clothing; togs.
2. A clothing store.

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The Toggery in Pleasant Ridge Town Center

1.     What is one fact about your store that a typical customer wouldn’t know?
Phil: The number of hours that Penny (my wife) and I put in trying to respond to the needs of our customers. We spend untold time on special orders and special requests.

2.     What sets you apart as a successful children’s store?
Phil: We have been able to relate to the needs of our customers, and make every effort to supply those needs in a timely manner with a fair price that provides good value. We have consistently provided service that focuses on our customer first and foremost.  

3.     You probably have seen hundreds of mommies and daddies come through your store and hear them speaking with their children – what is the funniest or sweetest thing you have heard come out of a child’s mouth recently?
Phil: No talking allowed at the Toggery, I don’t know. (wink, wink) 

4.     Are you a Little Rock native? Describe the neighborhood your store is in for us.
Phil:  Penny and I both grew up in Little Rock. Our Heights location is where  The Toggery started in 1948 and we have been in the same location since 1962. This is a wonderful old neighborhood where we know our neighbors. The shopping area has always attracted customers from all over the state of Arkansas because of its reputation for unique upscale shopping. On the other hand our Pleasant Ridge Town Center store, which we newly opened in January, has reinforced our commitment to that part of our city. This has been the center of growth for a number of years and we have been a part of west Little Rock since 1978.

4.     What type of clothing did you wear growing up as kid? What tip would you give to a parent dressing a child? Do you have a picture of you as a kid you can share with us?
Phil: My mother dressed me at JCPenny, Sears, and the Crystal Kiddie children’s shop. Pretty traditional stuff – who can remember that far back? I think mothers today should focus on unique clothes that reflect their taste and lifestyle. Remember quality clothes last longer and look better longer. 

5.     We love your blog –what is your daily inspiration for your blog entries? How many bloggers are on your team of writers? What has been your most popular blog item?
Phil: Last June we formed a web team whose mission is to enhance the presence of The Toggery on the Internet. The three young people that work on this project bring a ton of enthusiasm and energy to their job. Caroline Tyler, a creative writing graduate student writes our blog. She has had an incredible response. Our team brainstorms at our weekly meetings and she brings these ideas to life. This team also markets our store through e-mail and Facebook campaigns. My favorite promotion was last Christmas when we had a contest to name your elf, based on the “Elf On The Shelf” book. The response was incredible and the creativity of the names our customers had was incredible.

6.     You have a great selection of items to buy from your store from clothes to shoes to uniforms to books! What is your favorite children’s book and why?
Phil: My favorite book is “On The Night You Were Born” by Nancy Tillman. This book gets right to heart of what you want a child to hear early on. It is a wonderful story that should be in every library.

7.     If you had one piece of advice for someone entering children’s retail today, what would it be?
Phil: Be extremely focused on what you want your store to be. Listen to your customers and never forget you are there to serve them in an extraordinary way. Last, always have a planned buy and do not overbuy. More stores fail because of how much they buy, rather than what they buy.  

8.     What is your best or most memorable moment in your store?
Phil: I think when Penny and I had our first grandchild and got to clothe her (and the four that have followed) has been memorable and meaningful. They have certainly rejuvenated and stimulated our buying. That was 10 years ago and we are a much better store because of them.

9.     What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line do you love from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection?
Phil: We loved the boys Choo Choo Zoo collection from Le Top Baby. It was pure Le Top, traditional and very special for our newborn boys. And the best part was it sold great!

The Toggery
5919 R Street
Little Rock, AR 72207
501.663.8662
http://www.toggerykids.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Toggery

The Toggery
Pleasant Ridge Town Center
11525 Cantrell Road Ste. 405
Little Rock, Arkansas 72212
501.227.8492
800.207.8691

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Chocolate Pattie Boutique: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Paddycake…Paddycake…Baker’s man…HOLD the nursery rhyme song and check out this week’s “Store Spotlight” with Chocolate Pattie Boutique in Rockford, Illinois.  Pattie Crichton-Hill, owner of Chocolate Pattie Boutique, gives us an insider peek of pictures of her as a child and hand-me-downs, the importance of “making it your own” in the children’s industry, and her special baby due date calendar.

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1.      Have you always been interested in entering the children’s business?
Pattie: I studied mechanical engineering and have always loved math and art…life has taught me to keep an open mind to new opportunities that may not be part of the original plan.

2.      Are you a Rockford, Illinois native? Describe the neighborhood your store is in for us.
Pattie: I grew up in Rockford and went to southern California for college. After 11 years in So Cal, I moved home to be near my parents again. Chocolate Pattie is in a quaint neighborhood with a wonderful reputation and no big box stores. Many customers are thrilled when they don’t have to go to the mall.

3.      What type of clothing did you wear growing up as kid? What tip would you give to a parent dressing a child? Do you have a picture of you as a kid you can share with us?
Pattie: I am the 4th girl in my family. My dad had 5 sisters, 4 daughters, 4 granddaughters…and then I broke the streak when I had my son. My mom told me at one point I would not wear anything new (the hand-me-downs must have been very comfortable). If she could see me now surrounded by beautiful new children’s clothing! As a parent, I believe children crave structure…a choice between 2 outfits should be enough responsibility at any age.

Pattie as a child

4.      What is 1 tip you would give a parent on how to update your child’s wardrobe this summer?
Pattie: Hats are always fun and protect their young skin. Bracelets seem to be popular this year also.

5.      What is one fact about your store that a typical customer wouldn’t know?
Pattie: Shortly after opening the store, I was stunned at how many customers took me into their lives with their joys and sorrows. I write on my calendar when babies are due and quietly worry with them.

6.       Between all of the social media outlets – Facebook, Twitter, and more – what do you think about social networking and how it allows moms and dads to join cyber parenting communities where they can meet, gain knowledge, as well as get recommendations and support.
Pattie: I am impressed with the new generation who researches issues such as cloth diapers and then decide what will fit with their family’s lifestyle.

7.      What sets you apart as a successful children’s store?
Pattie: I listen carefully to my customers and do my homework on how brands vary. Customers realize I am in the store 95% of the time. When I shop, l tend to run from pushy sales people so I am constantly aware of my words so I do not push. For me, it is not all about making a sale.

8.      If you had one piece of advice for someone entering children’s retail today, what would it be?
Pattie: Make it your own because it won’t last long mimicking another business.

9.      You probably have seen hundreds of mommies and daddies come through your store and hear them speaking with their children – what is the funniest or sweetest thing you have heard come out of a child’s mouth recently?
Pattie: Many children think my name is Chocolate Pattie, not Pattie. I love to hear family members tell me the child asked to go to Chocolate Pattie to play. The play area makes everyone more comfortable and occasionally I get to play!

10.  What is your best or most memorable moment in your store?
Pattie: I am honored each time someone tells me their child or grandchild wore a Chocolate Pattie outfit for their milestone picture. I take pride knowing I choose every clothing and accessory line for my store. It makes me smile knowing those pictures will be around for a very long time.

11.  What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line do you love from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection?
Pattie: Daisy Duck Group – just when I think Le Top can not design another cute duck line, you do…

Chocolate Pattie Boutique
1676 North Alpine Road
Rockford, IL 61107-1415
815.316.2468

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Lily Pads, Lullabies and Love!

Jackie and her Family inside Lily Pads & Lullabies

Jackie Frazier and her husband live in an area that is a virtual paradise for families – Centerville Utah, nestled up to the Wasatch foothills and a stone’s throw from the beautiful Great Salt Lake.  Skiing is heavenly during the winter, and summer brings recreation from water sports to hiking.  Jackie couldn’t wait to add a baby to her family!  After waiting far too long for the blessed event Jackie turned to every expectant mom’s favorite ‘sport’ – shopping!  Jackie was disappointed that she couldn’t find a children’s store in her area that provided the special experience she craved for her long awaited baby.  Once her beautiful daughter Alexa was born she couldn’t bear leaving her in day care – so she put 2 + 2 together and a very special children’s store was born – Lily Pads and Lullabies!

Alexa, Jackie's Inspiration, Wearing Butterfly Wishes from Spring 2009

Jackie’s daughter Alexa spends her days with mommy, very fitting since the name of the store was inspired by one of her cute baby poses.  Jackie told us that “she always slept with her little bum in the air, sucking on her pink binky.”  The store logo was inspired by this sweet and innocent vision.  Jackie has created the atmosphere she herself dreamed of finding – the store is beautiful, warm and inviting.  Her customers love the exceptional customer service, the inviting ambiance and the large play area for children.

Jackie loves watching the reaction of new mothers who come into the store – “Aw!” –  their expression of excitement when they realize they have found that ‘special place’ that has everything to welcome their precious newcomer!  Jackie feels that her store is the perfect place for “everyone” – and through her website anyone can enjoy all the warmth that she has poured into this wonderful boutique.  One customer writes:

“I love it! Warm, happy environment. Great play area for kids. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Finally, a baby store that makes me feel special! ‎”

If you are fortunate enough to visit this beautiful area stop in and pay Jackie a visit!  Otherwise pay a ‘virtual’ visit at www.lilypadsandlullabies.com.

Lily Pads & Lullabies  
380 N. Main Street
Centerville, UT 84014
801-397-0305

 

 

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Only the Best for Your Little Lamb

Little Lambs Children's Boutique in Pell City, AL

Heather Adams loves children…so she became a teacher!  When her daughter Anna Beth was born she made the decision to fulfill another dream, also in the children’s arena – she became the owner of a wonderful children’s boutique in town that she heard was closing.  Little Lambs Children’s Boutique in Pell City, Alabama was perfect!  Heather’s dream as a new mother was to spend as much time as possible with her darling daughter – and two years later Little Lambs has become Anna Beth’s second home with mommy.

Little Lambs Children’s Boutique, now open for a total of 14 years, is a fun and happy place.  Heather loved the name of the boutique, and decided not to change it because as she says,

“Children are God’s Little Lambs.”

One of the benefits that Heather loves the most about owning her store, other than spending most days there with her daughter, is the interaction with her customers and the community.  It is exciting to help choose new outfits for special babies or birthday gifts for grandchildren.  She loves being involved with that momentous decision by a new mom-to-be, when they choose their baby’s “coming home” outfit – a truly special day!

Heather’s involvement extends beyond just selling clothing to her customers – she delights in creating special events in the store that brings her community closer.  She hosts pottery parties twice per year – creating ‘priceless’ art – like the impressions of tiny hands and feet that will be cherished for years to come.  During the Christmas and Easter holiday seasons a photographer is in the store to capture wonderful moments with Santa and the Easter Bunny.

Anna Beth and Kaylie wearing le●top Flower Power courduroy print dresses from Fall 2008

Heather makes shopping for the special items at Little Lambs even easier – she has created an online store as well!  You can visit the website at www.shoplittlelambs.com .When visiting this charming website you might want to sign up for the email list; the recipients receive emails regarding preview sales and special events.  Tech savvy customers also receive special offers on Facebook!  Complimentary gift wrapping is just one of the many perks when buying that special gift from Little Lambs – and makes gifting so much easier!

“We feel very blessed to be able to have this business and are so thankful for our customers.  I have been able to make my dream a reality” – Heather Adams

Little Lambs Children’s Boutique
2247 Martin Street South
Pell City, AL 35128

Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Multi-tasking Moms

I consider myself lucky to have the job I have, where I get to call stores all day. It is absolutely fantastic, especially because I develop friendships with my customers and get to hear about their kids and grandkids and all the wonderful (and sometimes not so wonderful!) things that are going on in their lives. Like Aimee Liani, owner of Hiccups in Rockville, MD. I love this woman! She has two beautiful girls, a super handsome husband and a sweet children’s store (she even started Hiccups’ Website this past year, and is gearing up to sell online very soon). One day we were chatting about her le•top and rabbit moon orders and all of a sudden she screams and says, “I have to go! Eggs just exploded all over my kitchen!“, (yes she even works from home some days). I started laughing and said of course, but quickly added that I wanted to hear the full story later! It turns out she was trying to do too many things at one time and the hard boiled eggs she was cooking exploded all over her kitchen! What a riot! Aimee also has a great sense of humor to share this story and laugh about herself.

Editor’s Note: Hiccups is located at 1616 Rockville Pike, #C, in Rockville, MD 20852. It’s a great boutique to find fabulous le•top and rabbit moon kid’s clothes for yourself and for baby showers and children’s birthday gifts. Phone: (301) 816-0016. Their Website is under construction, but we’ll give you an update as soon as it launches.

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