With a wide-ranging selection of designer labels, shoes and accessories, A Perfect Pear Boutique offers something for every age at every stage of life.
What is your biggest challenge as a retailer in 2020?
Educating clientele about the difference between “fast fashion” pieces of clothing and what we call “investment fashion” pieces of clothing. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more on a leather jacket, statement accessory or killer shoes! Investment pieces last forever.
What strategies do you employ to mitigate any downsides from the internet?
We often try to match the majority of sales that are seen on the internet in-store under certain conditions. We offer an exclusive personal shopping service in our boutique that cannot be found online. Shopping in-store allows the clients to feel the fabrics, see the colors in person, and try the clothing on to make sure it’s a perfect fit for their bodies.
We offer complimentary after-hours personal styling appointments; “Your Perfect Look Box” containing a personalized monthly look created just for you (pick up in-store, hand-delivered or shipped to your home); Black Tie Service, including a personal stylist who can help you pack for a trip or get ready for an event; and daily fashion updates and styled looks on social media.
Have you seen a sustained impact from recent Shop Local campaigns?
We always appreciate the campaigns designated to shopping local! It helps remind the community about the importance of keeping their dollars local.
What other trends are you seeing in retail?
Instagram and Facebook are a key part of our daily business. We ship to clients all over the U.S. who like our pages on social media. Our inventory changes daily, so we find social media to be an easy way to show clients the fashions available at A Perfect Pear Boutique! 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.
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