Special Surf Expo Section

Trends in Clothing (From page 54)

They go to shows in New York and Atlanta to find new products. Sometimes vendors also approach them. Although she prefers to buy in person, they have also begun buying more through online platforms like Faire. It’s challenging to find product online since you have to sift through so many styles, she said.

She’s also found new merchandise after seeing someone else wearing it. From there, she’s reached out directly to the brand.

Display-wise, Moster uses the motto “friends together” to guide her. For instance, all handbags are stacked together, all jewelry should be in one place and themes–for instance, the color green –should be together, even if the items in the display come from different vendors.

She removes the vendor card and hangs jewelry on glassware – the pieces really shine and appear to be more higher end this way.

Katie Libby , owner, Simple Soul Boutique in Maine said her number one seller is their denim line, Judy Blue Denim. They are a best-seller because of their extreme stretch and ability to fit any and all body shape, expressed Libby. “These jeans aren't your stiff and restrictive denim,” she continued. “They are stretchy and accent all your curves in the best way.”

Shackets–a shirt and a jacket–are another top selling clothing item. They come in a wide variety of plaids and solids and are perfect when you need that lighter layer to throw on when it’s a bit chilly, said Libby.

Jewelry–earrings, necklaces, bracelets and hair accessories–is their top selling accessory. They offer a very affordable line of simple–yet sophisticated–every day wear jewelry. You can change your whole vibe by accessorizing without the cost factor of having to refresh your larger clothing items, said Libby.

Libby travels to markets twice a year to do most of her clothing buying. She adheres strictly to her policy of items needing to be “soft and comfortable.”

“My local customers–and online customers, too–know when I say something is soft, its soft,” said Libby. “It's all about materials and how the clothing makes you feel.”

They have a very small store that packs a big punch. That said, they have to be very creative with their displays because they can’t waste space. They love stacking things up with various wooden crates, shelving, and so on.

They display a lot on a vertical orientation and use every inch of wall space, said Libby. They also utilize high shelving to display items on.

“Even though customers can't reach those shelves, it serves as a display and piques interest,” said Libby. ❖

Town Pride®

By Jessica Olmstead

Town Pride® has been busy developing new on-trend custom products. Known for quality curated goods, we are still focused on Made in the USA and making the custom process as effortless as possible. We continue to offer no set up fees and the lowest minimums in the industry. Our new embroidered custom sweaters and expanded children’s line are retailing extremely well. The upcoming 2023 year will bring more licensed artists goods like MollyGrams thematic alphabets which we use to spell out any town, state, place or team. Our long-awaited candle line will make its debut along with all new baby and pet. We are excited to continue to offer quality, Made in the USA custom goods that are on trend and meeting customer demand.

(For more information, visit www. townpride.com.)