Quackles Boutique: PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

This week we interviewed a fun boutique in Poughkeepsie, New York for our Premier Store Spotlight called – Quackles! Mother-Daughter Duo and co-owners, Kathy Lorenz and mother Phyllis Lorenz, gave us the scoop on their upcoming Friends & Family event (don’t miss out on it) along with their favorite holiday movies and Le Top and rabbitmoon “must-have” winter essentials for your kiddo’s wardrobe. Read more on the best family hangouts and the inspiration behind their store Quackles and more!

Quackles

44 Raymond Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
845.471.2250
store.quackles.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN Quackles’ Facebook page and click HERE

Interior of Quackles

1.    Tell us the inspiration behind opening your own boutique? How did you come up with the name?
My mom and I had always shopped in boutiques when my 1st daughter was born and the more we shopped the more we thought that we could do the same thing. As for the name, my 2 daughters called the plural of ducks “quackles”.

Quackles participated in the Silhouette of a Woman Fashion Show to benefit the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation featuring Le Top's "Seeing Spots" outfit

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned for your boutique for the holidays, especially the fun deals we can expect! Anything for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas?
As of Saturday, November 19th we will post on Facebook our Quackles Friends and Family discount through Thanksgiving. For Hanukkah and Christmas, we have a special day hosting a Holiday Bazaar at the store and at my daughter’s dance academy. We are also hosting a Holiday Cookie Swap!

3.    Please tell us 1 fun Thanksgiving tradition you had with your family as a child that you can share with our readers.
We always went to my godmother’s house for Thanksgiving and she lived on a golf course. My brothers and cousins would venture out with bags and collect golf balls and then we would compare how many we each collected. Then we all sat down to a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving meal. A good time had by all.

4.    What would you suggest as the top 3 essentials in the winter that any parent should buy to brighten up their child’s wardrobe?
Fun hat, playful mittens and versatile boots.

Scene from "A Christmas Story"

5.    What is your favorite holiday film past or present for kids/family?
“A Christmas Story” and “Polar Express.”

6.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
As a grandmother I vowed I would never break the rules regarding “spoiling” them, but that’s the best part!!!

7.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Diamond gymnastics, Poughkeepsie Children’s Museum, Debra T’s, and family ice skating at Mid Hudson Civic Center.

8.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Le Top’s “Candy Cane Cutie” Collection for the holidays and the Rabbitmoon “Soho” Collection for boys.

Le Top "Candy Cane Cutie" Sweater Dress and Red Dot Tights

Quackles

44 Raymond Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
845.471.2250
store.quackles.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN Quackles’ Facebook page and click HERE

 

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Pumpkin Patch Contest – Win a FREE Le Top outfit!

This week we are looking for the cutest pictures of your babies and kiddos photographed with pumpkins, at a pumpkin-patch, dressed as pumpkins, eating pumpkin pie, anything PUMPKIN! These sweet photos of Jamee’s gorgeous children inspired us to reach out to our blog, Facebook and Twitter fans to submit your pictures starting TODAY through October 25th.

Miranda and Paulo parading around at the pumpkin-patch in their Le Top brother/sister outfits from the “Pony Tracks & Treats” collections.

We will choose a winner (at random) who will win a FREE Le Top outfit of choice from our new online boutique – www.letop-usa.com. The lucky winner will be announced on Monday, October 25^th.

So, where to send these spooky, cute and ghoulish photos?

Email service@letop-usa.com or Facebook your image and blurb on our fan page by clicking here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/le-top/117553138255670?ref=sgm

Let the Pumpkin Contest BEGIN!

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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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Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

No, I did NOT say that!

Facebook Avatar

My daughter was watching me while I was on Facebook, and saw my “friends.” One of my friends uses an image of Edna Mode as her avatar. Edna is a character from The Incredibles, a movie our family loves, especially my daughter! In total amazement, Miranda immediately said:

You know Edna!!?!!”

– Miranda, age 4

 

Editor’s Note:
Please spread the giggles by sharing your funny quotes with us!

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