Trendy Treasures eBoutique: ONLINE PREMIER STORE SPOTLIGHT Q&A

This Friday we are giving you the gift of Trendy Treasures as our “Online Premier Store Spotlight.” We know the holidays are quickly approaching and what mom has time to go out into the cold and shop ‘til they drop? We know we are busy elves over at Le Top prepping for the holidays. We would love for you to check out Trendy Treasures for all of your holiday clothing needs and a gift or two for others (‘tis the time for giving right?). We interviewed Dawn Watson and Karen Schirmer of Trendy Treasures to find out about their upcoming sales and deals for the holiday, wintery style tips, Thanksgiving traditions and of course the top gifts to buy this year from their boutique!

Trendy Treasures Online

818.263.1501
www.trendytreasuresonline.com

CHECK-IN and JOIN 
Trendy Treasures
Facebook page by clicking HERE

1.    Tell us the inspiration behind opening your own eboutique? How long has your online store been around?
My inspiration to open our Trendy Treasures Online store came from a few different things: 1) the birth of my third daughter who is now 7 years old 2) curiosity 3) and my 20 year sales background. Trendy Treasures Online was founded in 2007 and has grown tremendously since then.  Trendy Treasures Online is a family owned and operated global business.

2.    How did you come up with the name?
We originally had a cute pink treasure box (as seen at the bottom of our homepage) as part of our original logo and we knew we wanted the word Trendy as part of our name. We chose the word trendy because part of our goal is to keep up with new and old high quality clothing from all over the world.  So, we combined the word Trendy with the treasures toy box idea and magically came up with the name Trendy Treasures. Since we are currently only an online store we added the word Online at the end when we came up with our formal logo that you see today.

3.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned for your eboutique for this winter, especially the fun deals we can expect! Anything for Thanksgiving or Cyber Monday this month?
Although we always have some sort of a sale going on, this year we have two super special sales.  We are having two special 20% off sales on Black Friday, November 25th and Cyber Monday, November 28th from midnight to 11:59 am PST.

4.    Please tell us one fun Thanksgiving tradition you had with your family as a child that you can share with our readers?
Since most of our family lived on the East Coast in Connecticut, my parents, sister, brother and I, along with a few family members here in California, got together for a traditional Thanksgiving Feast. Part of the fun was sharing this meal while using china that was passed down from our great grandparents. What brings back my fondest memories are the times that we used our matching pewter silverware, glasses and plates because we purchased them as a family on a trip that we took together to Connecticut. We still use these today on Thanksgiving as they remind us of our father that passed away in 1990. What was also special is that we would all make phone calls back East to speak to all of our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.      

5.    What are a few of your “go-to” staples to keep kiddos warm this winter on your website?

1. Warm and comfy brand named pajamas and robes for all ages including: Esme, PJ Salvage, B Up, Books to Bed, Petit Lem and more.
2. Socks and leggings from Country Kids and Jeffries.
3. Our top selling Pluie Pluie kids raincoats and matching kids rainboots and umbrellas.
4. And our trend setting variety of Le Top and Rabbitmoon baby and toddler winter matching sibling outfits.

6.     If you had to give 3 great kids gifts for a “jump start” on holiday shopping from your online store, what would they be and why?

1. Books to Bed matching books and pajamas because they encourage boys and girls to read and they are always kids favorite gifts.
2. Esme and PJ Salvage mom and daughter matching pajamas.
3. Zoobies character pets, which are plush toys, comfy pillows and cozy blankets all-in-one.

7.    Many families are looking for outfits for family holiday portraits for kids. What are some of the hottest trends right now?
Matching sibling outfits from Le Top and other brands and matching Christmas pajamas.

 

 
8.   Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?”
I swore I would never say, “Go ask your father.”

9.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Fall 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
For boys, the Le Top “Run Run Reindeer Collection” and the matching girls called “Little Deer” Collection outfits.

Trendy Treasures Online

818.263.1501
www.trendytreasuresonline.com

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Trendy Treasures Facebook page and click HERE

 

 

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TheBoysStore.biz: ONLINE PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Boys will be boys! It can be hard to find cool and cute boys clothes, whether it be a store or online…but have you heard of TheBoysStore.Biz? It is one of our FAVORITE online premier store retailers who carry all boys clothes online! Too good to be true? We got the scoop on the inspiration behind online boutique owner, Suzanne Remington, and what is in store for this spring season – for you!

The Boy’s Store
www.theboysstore.biz
888.267.1487

Join The Boy’s Store Facebook page and click HERE
Follow The Boy’s Store on Twitter and click HERE 

1.    What is one special or fun fact about your e-store that a typical customer wouldn’t know?
Suzanne: Every order is shipped with a hand-written thank you note and a small gift such as a toy, a craft item, stickers for the little boy (or boys) in addition to his new clothes.

2.    What inspired you to get involved in an online store for kids?
Suzanne: Right out of high school I was trained as a dressmaker and had dreams of being a designer. I moved to the US to attend Fashion Design School but had to give up my dreams, as I could not afford the cost of tuition on top of my daily living expenses. Several years later, after getting married and having children; I became very frustrated at the lack of clothing option for boys. I still had a zeal for fashion and found myself unable to dress my son in a manner that pleased me. After spending countless hours trying to find him a decent pair of swim trunks; I decided to take matters in my own hands and The Boy’s Store became my new passion. Being successful as an entrepreneur in any field, retailing, selling a service such as marketing or graphic arts takes tenacity and passion; without passion the constant challenges to your wits could drive you to just quit.  

3.    What sets you apart as a successful online children’s shop?
Suzanne: I was fortunate to have trained in dressmaking. This gives me an “edge” as I am familiar with the process of making clothing as well as the manufacturing of fiber and fabric, the dyeing processes…This knowledge allows me to be very critical of an item on quality, durability, finishing touches. We all want our children to look good, but not at the expense of not being able to wash and wear an item for an extended period of time. I want to provide my customers with boys clothing they will love to dress their boys in and also will become their boys favorite item to wear. 

4.    What is the funniest request you have received from an online parent customer?
Suzanne: I once had a parent call and ask if it would be possible to rent a backhoe. I am still wondering what would have happened if I had said “yes”. 

5.    Why did you choose to only carry boys’ clothing and not girls’ clothing? Do you plan on opening a boutique for only girls’ clothing?
Suzanne: Girls are extremely fortunate; there is a plethora of choices in clothing, accessories, shoes and more for them. Boys get the short end of the stick; most stores will carry a limited number of items for boys out of fear to be left with unsellable stock. I opened The Boy’s Storeto fill a need, to dress my son in durable, fashionable clothing and knowing from talking to other mothers of boys that I certainly was not the only one frustrated with the lack of choices carried by major retailers. I have no plans to open a girls’ only boutique. I admire those shop owners who do; as I would not know what to pick among with so many designers and manufacturers catering to girls. 

6.    Tell us the top 3 boys’ spring trends.
Suzanne: When I attended the San Francisco tradeshow last August; I was pleasantly surprise to find that manufacturers and designers are still bringing bright colors into the boys clothing.

• Purple is gaining popularity and orange is still a real strong color for boys.
• Organic and green products are gaining ground in popularity too. I loved the close attention paid to every little detail.
• An increasing number of tag-less shirts, softer and durable fabrics are all trends I would like to see become a norm.

7.    What tip would you give to a parent dressing a child this coming spring and how to pick the “right” outfit online?
Suzanne: I think as parents we often fret too much over having our child look just so. Allow your child to express himself through his clothing choices; remember you are still setting limitations by purchasing items that please you. To me there is really no right or wrong outfit, you can mix and match, or just pick items that look soft and comfortable. Your child will be sure to let you know when he is displeased with his look; especially if teased by his peers. Let him make his own choices as long as he is not under dressed or over dressed for the weather conditions.

8.    What questions do most mommies or daddies ask when buying for their child online?
Suzanne: The most common questions I receive concern sizing and fit. From time to time I do get questions about the feel of an item. Most online shoppers are familiar with the brands I carry and have their preferences which brings questions to a minimum most are regarding returns and exchanges policies.

9.    Tell us about any special online events or promotions that you have planned at your online store and fun deals we can expect.
Suzanne: I run The Boy’s Store more like the shops I remember as a child growing up in Switzerland. Twice a year I hold a major sale with most items discounted by 75%; members on my mailing list get advance notification so that they can have first choice on some great deals on popular brands like Appaman, Wes and Willy, Mulberribush and Dogwood. As much as possible I try not to promote the sale of the day, week…  I prefer to concentrate on providing great service, fast shipping and less frequent but valuable sales. I tend to cater to my regular and loyal customers by offering them through my mailing list, new product notifications, promotions and discounts on a regular basis (every 3 weeks or so).

10.    Are you an active social media person? Why? Tell us 3 tips you use for online social media that a parent might want to know.
Suzanne: I spend some time every day on Twitter and Facebook. I also maintain a few other “social type” of sites in order to keep in contact with my customers. I think as an online retailer it is vital to keep in touch with your customers to better understand their needs and wishes.

11.    What collection or piece from Le Top do you love from the Spring 2011?
Suzanne: My favorite Spring 2011 item by Le Top is the Chameleon Camouflage Collection Shortall and Striped Shirt Set.

Le Top ‘Chameleleon Camouflage’ stripe shirt and shortall set with the matching explorer hat.

The Boy’s Store
www.theboysstore.biz
888.267.1487

Join The Boy’s Store Facebook page and click HERE
Follow The Boy’s Store on Twitter and click HERE

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