HYPERLOCAL NEWS HUB BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM
by Christy Mister / MicroMemphis Fashion Reporter
"Charmed" in Cooper-Young
by Christy Mister / MicroMemphis Fashion Reporter
Novemeber 21, 2011
When you walk into Charm Boutique, you are most definitely "charmed" once you see the apparel that's being sold in this consignment store. You'll find beautiful pieces that look as if they hadn't been worn at all alongside vintage clothing, trending accessories and lovely up-to-date pieces filling the store.
"Our customer base is comprised of both Cooper-Young residents and others. Many C-Y residents stop to visit after passing by and seeing us. We're kind of located off the beaten path so to speak as it relates to the C-Y businesses, so we have to work harder to let folks know we're here," said Elayne Perry, owner of Charm Boutique.
Perry remains passionate about the store she opened almost one year ago.
"I realized over a year ago where my passion really was and it took two healthcare degrees and thousands of dollars to realize what it was — fashion," she said.
Since opening, Perry said that the shop has been doing great in terms of traffic and reception.
"Our grand opening was a huge success and we look forward to seeing a more consistent flow," Perry said.
While there are other boutiques in Memphis, some are consignment and some are strictly women's clothing boutiques. Aside from Charm, the neighborhood is home to New to Me Consignment store and Second Times A Charm. However, competition from either doesn't deter Charm from succeeding.
"There are several fabulous consignment shops in Memphis. Good competition is healthy. It keeps all businesses in the mind frame to thrive and strive for the next level. Charm has actually referred customers to other consignment shops and they have done the same for us. So competition is not a priority over establishing relationships and good business swag," she said.
The boutique is looking to open a second location very soon, but Perry is as-yet undecided as to where she will locate a new store. Perry has planned to open another boutique since opening Charm. She chose Charm's first-year anniversary as a milestone to begin considering the second location.
"Yes, Memphis can look forward to Charm Too," she said.
One year into operation, the store is coming into its own. The interior looks nothing like a consignment shop, thanks to products on the clothing racks that look department store ready. And even if some may miss the shop on Young Avenue, they should be able to catch the boutique in the world of social media.
"Absolutely! We utilize Facebook and Twitter (for marketing)," Perry said. She also said she ran a Groupon deal a couple of months ago which experienced tremendous success.
"We definitely will be doing more advertising in magazines, television, and radio," she said.
You can find Charm Boutique on Facebook and Twitter for updates and photos of new merchandise.
Novemeber 21, 2011
When you walk into Charm Boutique, you are most definitely "charmed" once you see the apparel that's being sold in this consignment store. You'll find beautiful pieces that look as if they hadn't been worn at all alongside vintage clothing, trending accessories and lovely up-to-date pieces filling the store.
"Our customer base is comprised of both Cooper-Young residents and others. Many C-Y residents stop to visit after passing by and seeing us. We're kind of located off the beaten path so to speak as it relates to the C-Y businesses, so we have to work harder to let folks know we're here," said Elayne Perry, owner of Charm Boutique.
Perry remains passionate about the store she opened almost one year ago.
"I realized over a year ago where my passion really was and it took two healthcare degrees and thousands of dollars to realize what it was — fashion," she said.
Since opening, Perry said that the shop has been doing great in terms of traffic and reception.
"Our grand opening was a huge success and we look forward to seeing a more consistent flow," Perry said.
While there are other boutiques in Memphis, some are consignment and some are strictly women's clothing boutiques. Aside from Charm, the neighborhood is home to New to Me Consignment store and Second Times A Charm. However, competition from either doesn't deter Charm from succeeding.
"There are several fabulous consignment shops in Memphis. Good competition is healthy. It keeps all businesses in the mind frame to thrive and strive for the next level. Charm has actually referred customers to other consignment shops and they have done the same for us. So competition is not a priority over establishing relationships and good business swag," she said.
The boutique is looking to open a second location very soon, but Perry is as-yet undecided as to where she will locate a new store. Perry has planned to open another boutique since opening Charm. She chose Charm's first-year anniversary as a milestone to begin considering the second location.
"Yes, Memphis can look forward to Charm Too," she said.
One year into operation, the store is coming into its own. The interior looks nothing like a consignment shop, thanks to products on the clothing racks that look department store ready. And even if some may miss the shop on Young Avenue, they should be able to catch the boutique in the world of social media.
"Absolutely! We utilize Facebook and Twitter (for marketing)," Perry said. She also said she ran a Groupon deal a couple of months ago which experienced tremendous success.
"We definitely will be doing more advertising in magazines, television, and radio," she said.
You can find Charm Boutique on Facebook and Twitter for updates and photos of new merchandise.
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Christy Mister / MicroMemphis Reporter
Christy Mister covers fashion for MicroMemphis.
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Follow her on Twitter @FashionEdytorTN