Baby Bundles: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Gear up, because back-to-school is around the corner, and if there is one store you can use as your “one-stop shop”…it’s Baby Bundles! They have two fabulous locations in Knoxville, Tennessee and Lexington, Kentucky – double the fashion, and double the fun. We spoke with co-owners and kids fashion gurus: Sherri, Margaret and Marie to get the low-down on children’s warm-weather fashion, upcoming deals at their stores and the “do’s” and “don’ts” in dressing the most fashionable baby and kiddo.

 Store Locations:
7600 Kingston Pike, #1460
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.690.4454

161 Lexington Green, Suite B3
Lexington, KY 40503
859.309.0459

 or go to shopbabybundles.com for more information

CHECK-IN and JOIN Baby Bundles Lexington’s Facebook page and click HERE

Baby Bundles in Knoxville

1.    What was your inspiration behind opening your two children’s clothing stores – how long have each been open and do they cater to different clientele?
Baby Bundles:  Baby Bundles was started in Knoxville, Tennessee ten years ago by Sherri. Sherri wanted a store that would offer a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience for parents looking for specialty items. In 2010, Sherri partnered with Baby Bundles Manager, Margaret and her sister Marie to open Baby Bundles in Lexington, Kentucky. Both stores offer traditional and trendy children’s apparel. While the stores are in different locations, the spirit of the clientele remains essentially the same. Our customers range from new parents to grandparents looking for a local shopping experience from a knowledgeable sales staff, whose primary goal is to assist them in selecting merchandise that reflects their child’s unique style and spirit.

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned at your two stores and e-boutique this coming summer and fun deals we can expect.
Baby Bundles:  As we wind down summer, Baby Bundles Lexington will be hosting our “One is Fun” First Birthday Party. The event will feature an Alex’s Lemonade Stand hosted by local pre-school students, a petting zoo and visit from local horse hero, Lash, who has recently been made into a plush doll. We will follow that event with a visit with silhouette artist Clay Rice in October.

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

Do’s…

1. Accessorize…a great hair bow, headband or cute tights can make the outfit. 
2. Invest in a pair of Monkey Bar Buddies to go with your Le Top dress. The underwear covers come in great colors and are perfect for back to school. 
3. Let your child have voice in which outfits to purchase…you are never too young to take pride in how you look. 

Don’ts…

1. Don’t dress your child above their age. As we tell our customers, “Children are only small for a short period time.” Celebrate childhood by selecting age appropriate clothing.
2. Don’t be afraid to purchase brother and sister matching outfits. Le Top has cute designs that our customers with siblings love.
3. Don’t forget to purchase a white sweater. This simple purchase can help your child’s wardrobe transition into different seasons.

Baby Bundles in Lexington

4.    Why did you pick the name Baby Bundles for your stores?
Baby Bundles:  The original concept was to offer a one-stop shop where parents could buy a variety of specialty store items for their children. The word bundles seemed to work with the original mission and then baby seemed to be a natural fit. 

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Baby Bundles:  We can’t really think of anything. I guess all three of us just gave up hope of controlling every situation and just decided to enjoy the ride.

6.    Describe the neighborhoods of each of your store locations. Did you grow up in any of the 2 local areas?
Baby Bundles:  The Knoxville store is located in the West Town Mall, Knoxville’s premier shopping center. The Lexington store is located in the Mall at Lexington Green, which primarily caters to locally owned boutiques and businesses. Sherri grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and Margaret and Marie grew up just outside of Lexington. Marie still resides in Kentucky. 

7.    What would you say are the top 3 requested clothing and/or accessory items requested from your store this summer?
Baby Bundles:

• Texture was a primary concern of customers this summer. Soft knits from Le Top were great sellers because of they feel great and are easy to care for. 
• Le Top bathing suits with matching cover-ups
• Big Sister and Little Sister outfits that compliment without matching exactly. 

8.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Baby Bundles:  Having to name just one is hard. Perhaps the most memorable was when a Knoxville customer who traveled regularly from Eastern Kentucky to shop learned that we were opening a store in Lexington. She was so excited that she starting jumping up and down and waving her hands like the head cheerleader on game day!

Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" swim trunk, shirt and anchor cover-up

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store locations?
Baby Bundles:  When in Knoxville, stop by and ride the train that travels around the West Town Mall. When in Lexington, a stop by Fro Joes for fresh frozen yogurt, feed the ducks at our big pond, or visit Shilito Park that is just down the street.

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Spring/Summer 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Baby Bundles: Our favorite was the Ship Ahoy! Collection. It was ideal for boys and girls from newborn through size 6. Whether land locked or beach bound just looking at it made us think of the perfect summer day!

Baby Bundles Store Locations:
7600 Kingston Pike, #1460
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.690.4454

161 Lexington Green, Suite B3
Lexington, KY 40503
859.309.0459

 or go to shopbabybundles.com for more information

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Baby Bundles Lexington’s 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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Colorado Rocky Mountain High

 

 

 

 

The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby… Rocky Mountain high” – John Denver

Since 1983 Tracey Owens, owner of Mountain Moppets, has had a beautiful store, located in gorgeous Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mountain Moppets appropriately derived its name from the majestic Rocky Mountains that line the entire western skyline of Colorado Springs. Tracey enjoys meeting the needs of the local ‘Moppets’ – and carving out a place within the community.

Happy Triplets

Fun with glasses

Tracey’s favorite days revolve around communication and interaction with customers in her darling little store – a haven in this beautiful region.  She loves showing off the new styles that arrive for the season and thrives on the wonderful feedback from her loyal customers.  Tracey caters to devoted customers by offering pre-sales; and creates exciting special events in her store, including drawings and contests to reward and give back.  Attractive gift wrapping is available upon request for both Mountain Moppets’ online and in-store customers. So ‘come on home’ to Mountain Moppets for a great selection of le●top’s Fall 2009 collection…and don’t forget to tell Tracey “hello!” from this side of the mountain!

Mountain Moppets Gang

Mountain Moppets is located at:
2532 W. Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
(719) 633-3473

M-Sat:  10:00am – 5:30pm
Sunday:  12:00pm – 4:00pm

If you can’t make a trip to the beautiful Rocky Mountains visit Tracey at www.mountainmoppets.com

Tracey loves to chat with customers; you can reach her by calling the store or by emailing mountainmoppets@gmail.com

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