Pinky Scout Boutique: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Back-to-school is in full swing, and we interviewed Stacy Rueckhaus, co-owner of one of the best (and most darling) children’s boutiques in Ohio – Pinky Scout – to get the inside kids-style-know-how and get you pumped up for fall fashion. Read more to learn just who exactly these mysterious “Pinky Scout” kids really are, the special “Pinky Scout” chant, what Stacy swore she would never do as a parent, great tips on fall fashion, and last but not least, parenting tips for back-to-school from the gals at Pinky Scout boutique!

 

Pinky Scout

5 East Main Street
Troy, OH 45373
937.440.1211
www.pinkyscout.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN Pinky Scout Boutique Facebook page and click HERE

1.    Pinky Scout is an fun and funky name! Tell us how you came to call your store Pinky Scout.
Stacy:  The store was created by myself and my two sisters, Julie and Sarah. When we were kids we formed our own secret club and called ourselves the “The Pinky Scouts.” It was a special club where we would tell each other our secrets and bond. Growing up we would always link pinkies and reference “Pinky Scout” when we had something to share with each other.  Now our daughters have joined the club and we all bond together over our Pinky Scout chant….it’s a bit corny, but i’ll share it with you.  (You have to link pinkies and solemnly repeat):

I love my pinky, yes I do, and NO, my pinky is not blue!”

You can’t go back on your word after saying that!

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned for fall, especially the fun deals we can expect!
Stacy:  At our store we support local designers and authors, there are so many talented individuals in our hometown! Most recently we set up a booth in our store to promote 2 local children’s authors, Hope Rethman and Meaghan Fisher, with a book signing. It was such a big success and our customers love the fact that we support local entrepreneurs. You can buy their books at: http://www.gypsypublications.com/GypsyMain/BookStore.html

3.    Please tell us 1 tip for a mom sending her child to school for the first time?
Stacy:  Get them to bed on time! Believe me, we learned from experience. A fresh and well-rested child will have a much better day at school.

Le Top "Pizzazz" collection super soft stretch cotton multi stripe hot pink dress

4.    Back-to-school is here – what are 3 trends you can tell parents to look for when buying their kids’ wardrobe?
Stacy: 

1. Accessorize! Hair bows, hair flowers, funky clips. Always add an extra special piece to make your child stand out!
2. Comfort. Kids want clothes that are comfortable (like Le Top!) For the younger set, elastic waists and knits work best.
3. Pull out the 80’s fashion. Neon, mesh and lots of rubber bracelets.  

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Stacy:  That’s easy, my sister still teases me about this. My husband and I swore no store bought plastic toys or television for our Lily before she was born. It worked for a while, we bought her wooden toys and lots of books! When she started asking for Dora and The Wiggles it was all over. We couldn’t say No. Everything in moderation though. 

Inside Pinky Scout

6.    Describe the neighborhood of your store location in Troy, Ohio. Did you grow up in the local area?
Stacy:  We are located in a beautiful historic downtown area with lots of mom and pop shops and restaurants. Think cobblestone walk-throughs and a roundabout in the middle of town with a huge fountain! It’s a perfect fit for us. My sisters and I all grew up in the surrounding area and wanted to bring some more style to the area. 

7.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Stacy:    There are a lot of them. One that stands out is making Christmas Eve deliveries to a few out of town customers that couldn’t make it in to the store. “Saving Christmas” for them that year made it all worth it.  

8.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store location?
Stacy:  Our town’s weekly Farmers Market. Every Saturday through September, you’ll find lots of families out enjoying local food and arts. We love it! Our store occasionally sets up there to promote our business and some of the local artists we feature in our store.

Le Top "Vroom!" collection

9.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Stacy:  Le Top’s Vroom! My sister just had a baby boy and we love the new Fall Vroom! Collection. The motorcycle jacket and matching hat is a must! 

Pinky Scout

5 East Main Street
Troy, OH 45373
937.440.1211
www.pinkyscout.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN Pinky Scout Boutique Facebook page and click HERE

 

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Sunshine Square: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Beat the summer heat and take a break to read about the most adorable and fun boutique in Decateur, Texas – Sunshine Square! We spoke with owner Laurie Washburn about the inside scoop on her latest summer deals at her store, warm-weather fashion, her “go-to” items from her store if she was deserted on a tropical island, as well as what she swore she’d never do before she had kids!  Enjoy and become a fan on Facebook below!

108 West Walnut Street
Decatur, TX 76234
940.627.3394
sunshinesquare@embarqmail.com

or go to www.sunshine-square.com for more information

CHECK-IN and JOIN
Sunshine Square’s Facebook page and click HERE

 

1.    What was your inspiration behind opening your children’s clothing store – Sunshine Square? Where did the name come from?
Laurie: Having three children and constantly searching for unique clothing inspired me to have a vision of a store dedicated to great quality boutique fashions. The name Sunshine Square came from a collaboration of friends and family.

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned at your store this coming summer and fun deals we can expect.
Laurie:  We are located on the Historic Downtown Square, so there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. From special parades, family movie nights, girl’s night out, petting zoos, antique car shows, and Santa Claus, there is always something going on at the square. Of course we just started our annual summer clearance sale to make room for our new fabulous fall styles. We are also getting ready for a big back-to-school sale. I am always thinking of creative sales to offer my customers – so check out our Facebook page and website so you don’t miss out!

3.    What are this season’s latest trends for kid’s clothing? Tell us the 3 “do’s” and 3 “don’ts” in kid’s clothing style.

Sunshine Square's interior features Rabbitmoon's Fall 2011 "Magnolia" collection

Laurie:  This season’s latest trends for kid’s clothing would have to be bold and colorful, fun, ruffles, rompers and tutus.

• Dress your child in comfy clothes that feel good to move around in.
• Let your child pick out a few clothing items themselves.
• Make your child feel good about what they are wearing – make them feel like a princess or prince.
• Don’t dress your child in restrictive clothing that makes them uncomfortable and fussy.
• Don’t dress your child older than what they are – cherish every moment they grow up so fast.
• Don’t judge what your child chooses to wear – they have the right to express themselves.

4.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Laurie:  Before I had kids, I swore I would never lick my thumb and wipe my kid’s face clean (also known as a “spit bath”). I did not like it when my mom did it to me and my kids do not like it when I do it to them.

5.    Decatur, Texas sounds exciting! Describe the neighborhood your store is in for us.
Laurie:  Sunshine Square is located on the Historic Downtown Square. The courthouse sits right in the middle of the square and is made of solid pink granite. It is a beautiful site to see. The square is full of antique shops, clothing stores, gift stores and restaurants. There is shopping and food for everyone.   

6.    What do you feel are the three biggest keys to your success?
Laurie:  The three biggest keys to my success would have to be:

• Longevity of the store – Sunshine Square has been in business for 27 years and we see generation after generation shop in the store.
• Loyal customer base – I always keep an open mind and am receptive to customer suggestions and cater to their needs and wants.
• Variety and selection – We have a great selection of unique and stylish clothing for our customers to choose from.

7.    If you were a new mom and got stranded on a deserted island – what 5 items could you not live without from your store?
Laurie:  If I were stranded on a deserted island I could not live without: 

• Any clothing piece by Le Top or Rabbitmoon – you just can’t beat the softness and durability.
• An incredibly soft, ultra plush blanket by Little Giraffe – all babies love to snuggle up with this blanket and take a nap.
• A pair of Mooshu squeaky sandals – the squeaky sound helps me to keep up with my little one.
• Blossom’s Buddy Blanket by Bunnies by the Bay – plush floppy eared bunny with snuggly soft pink velour security blanket.
• Kalencom diaper bag to keep all of the great baby items together. 

Their boy's section features Le Top's Fall 2011 "Ready for Takeoff" footed coverall and Rabbitmoon's Fall 2011 "City" stripe coverall

8.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Laurie: A special moment that made my day was last Christmas when we adopted a family and the kids came into the store and picked out outfits and accessories. The sparkle in their eyes and their smiles lit up the whole store. We all shared a special moment.

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store locations?
Laurie:  The best family hangout around our location would have to be Sweetie Pies Ribeyes. They have the best steaks around! It is a great family restaurant and the kids love their chicken fingers.

Of course we are only about 30 minutes northwest of the Dallas/Fort Worth area so we are close to everything imaginable – several zoos, water parks, Six Flags, Texas Motor Speedway and much more.

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Spring/Summer 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Laurie:  Our favorite collections would have to be the Le Top “Heart’s Delight” for the girls and the Le Top “Puppy Pals” for the boys. We love the bright fun colors and the softness of the fabric. These styles started selling before we could get them unpacked! Of course any Le Top or Rabbitmoon style sells out super fast.

or click HERE for the Sunshine Square website for more information

CHECK-IN and JOIN
Sunshine Square’s Facebook page and click HERE

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