Thr3ads is a women’s clothing store in Morton—a family project that came to life in 2016 through the hard work and passion of three sisters. Their offerings encompass jeans, tops, blouses, intimates, accessories, candles, shoes, gift cards and more.

What is your biggest challenge as a retailer in 2020? 
The biggest challenge is coming up with better-than-before ideas for upcoming events this year! Staying ahead of the competition, while also supporting them at the same time.

What strategies do you employ to mitigate any downsides from the internet? 
The internet is impacting us, while also somewhat helping us, too. Buying online and shopping in-store for clothes can be two completely different things. And what you get online may not always be what you receive in the mail! So having a storefront helps. We plan to go online in the future as well, though.

Have you seen a sustained impact from recent Shop Local campaigns?
Yes, we have seen a great positive impact as the advertisement for Shop Local has been getting better press. Also, Thr3ads has very loyal customers and new ones daily who advertise for us without even knowing it! 

What other trends are you seeing in retail?
Clothing trucks, personal bloggers doing online boutiques out of their house, pop-up parties or weekend all-girls parties with all kinds of different things to shop from! 

Anything else you wish to add?
Retail has become one of the easiest businesses to start nowadays, it seems, so our competition deepens daily. You just have to find your own niche and what sets you apart! We love seeing the new ones come along and still price-match, as we want all girls to succeed with their dreams! PM

*Editor's Note: Since this interview took place, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced most retailers to close their doors, making a tough industry even more difficult. When we emerge from this crisis, local retailers will face all of the same challenges… and then some. Now more than ever, we must support them by shopping local.

Check out the rest of this series: “Exploring the Retail Landscape,” in the April 2020 issue of Peoria Magazine.