A Trunk Show For The Rest Of Us
Posted: November 19th, 2009 | Author: Lauren Sherman | Filed under: Retail, shoes, shopping | Tags: Lauren Wimmer, Marais USA, Thistle & Clover | 3 Comments »
The scene at Thistle & Clovers Wednesday evening trunk show.
When the phrase “trunk show” works its way into a headline, it usually has to do with a shopping event at a high-end department store, featuring the current collection of a designer I can’t afford and involving ladies who lunch, not ladies who make their lunch.
That wasn’t the case at Brooklyn’s Thistle & Clover boutique last night, where the fall collections of shoe brand Marais USA and jewelry label Lauren Wimmer were celebrated with a shopping party. (The store typically carries select items from both labels.) I was thrilled to stop by and do a little reporting–and yes, shopping!–as Marais is my favorite shoe collection of the moment.
The scene was similar to your typical trunk show–cocktails, chatter–but there were no pushy sales girls making things awkward. The designers of both brands walked around assisting customers. Marais co-designer Haley Boyd helped me find the right size oxford and even took a photo of me trying them on–very sweet.
My gift with purchase.
Thistle & Clover co-owner Rand Niederhoffer explained to me that these types of events–regardless of how much money they make–are a nice way to get people in the neighborhood together. Becoming a destination is crucial to a retailer’s success.
However, I have no doubt Thistle & Clover was financially triumphant last evening. And it’s not just because the product was fantastic.
The thing I love most about shopping in neighborhood boutiques like this one is that the owners believe in the product. Niederhoffer and her partner Camilla Gale buy emerging designers, many of whom are based in Brooklyn. These are the duo’s friends and contemporaries. When there is so much care and attention put into the selection, it’s hard not to enjoy the shopping experience.
My adorable kicks from Marais.
Along with my purchase–a pair of charming saddle shoe-inspired sneakers from Marais–I received an elephant pin and a small bouquet of flowers from local florist Stem. Exceedingly thoughtful–it’s those kinds of gestures that create loyal customers.