Pastels or Primaries? Which Apparel Colors are Trending?

Alex Robertson Madden, co-owner of the Favorite Sisters Boutique in Shreveport, La., said rich pastels are trending. Customers are drawn towards softer shades, in particular lilac and lavender.

Because of their location in the South, Gary Flynn, president, CEO and co-owner of M Dumas and Sons in Charleston, finds bright colors and pastels sell best at M Dumas when it comes to tops, while neutrals on the bottom are popular due to their versatility.

Rachel Lutz, owner of two locations of The Peacock Room, in Michigan, noted that color trends will depend on where you are located. “As we’re heading into fall, rich colors like jewel tones are always a perennial favorite,” said Lutz. That said, she sees customers discarding traditional notions of color palettes fitting only certain seasons. Instead, textures and fabrics are becoming more seasonal.

At Sassy Fashion during the summer, pastels are trending and, in the fall, it’s all about neutral colors. ❖

Stepping Out in Style (From page 119)

Rhinestone tiaras have been a surprise hit seller. “I think what’s strongly trending right now is dopamine,” commented Lutz. “Customers have been through a really tough year and are indulging in what they consider self-care.”

According to Lutz, customers are interested in purchasing complete outfits to accommodate recent size fluctuations. They’re also enamored with the ability to shop tactilely again, which often results in customers purchasing more than intended.

Staff watch for verbal and non-verbal cues to help customers create looks in all of Lutz’s shops, which are a combined square footage of 6,800-square-feet, with an annual revenue of over one million dollars. They also aren’t afraid to suggest something slightly outside a customer’s comfort zone.

She believes boutique customers expect skilled stylists and customer service. “They want that leadership and guidance of what we think will make them look and feel their best,” Lutz said.

Accordingly, in hiring, Lutz looks for staff with personal passions and good listening skills. “I think if you’re a very passionate person, you’re a good listener,” said Lutz.

“That’s all you really need to be very helpful to people in retailing.” Background isn’t as relevant, said Lutz. She hires staff with backgrounds ranging from the political field to the auto glass repair industry.

Maxi dresses in summer and sweaters and ponchos in the

Continued on page 121

What Is Your Favorite Display Fixture and Why?

Six years ago, Alex Robertson Madden of Favorite Sisters spotted a tree trunk discarded in the dumpster behind the shop. She fished it out and resuscitated it as the fixture they use to display jewelry. It’s both eye catching and has a story. “You can circle the tree a hundred times and find new pieces,” said Robertson Madden.

The Peacock Room is housed in a 1920s-era building, with many vintage and antique pieces. In this atmosphere, Rachel Lutz’s favorite fixture is a distressed wood double cart on wheels. This piece of portable furniture can be carted from place to place around the shop, which she uses to refresh the look of the store often.

At M Dumas, their most common fixture is a 3-tiered table.

“We have a fairly large table that has a topper and also a front floor piece,” said Gary Flynn

“This allows us to show an outfit on a table while still maximizing units.”

Since she’s located in the GM Renaissance Center, Kristina Kado likes to use GM branded furnishings to draw attention to her displays. For instance, she’ll display a child-sized GM Cadillac vehicle and GM bicycle during the auto show. ❖

Stepping Out in Style (From page 120) fall are the main best-sellers at Sassy Fashion Couture in downtown Detroit. Owner Kristina Kado said she has also ramped up her selection of plus size fashions since opening to cater to customer demand.

Roughly 70 percent of Kado’s customers buy complete outfits for themselves, but this only occurs when she picks the outfit out for them. Customers also gravitate towards outfits–accessories included–displayed on store mannequins.

Kado’s regulars are used to asking her to pick their outfits for them. If they’re new, she’ll note what colors customers are gravitating towards in her 660-square-foot shop. She’ll usually also ask to see pictures of outfits they wear when they go out and ask them questions including whether they like bling or plain and simple fashions. ❖

Vest and Hat

Wildthings Snap-Ons is adding a Khaki Adult Vest to our lineup. We are also excited to add a Pink Jr. Zookeeper Bucket Hat. (For more information, call 415-4570112, email adina@wildthingstshirts.com, visit www.wildthingstshirts.com, or circle 84 on the reader service card.)