Apr 29, 2009

NC children’s clothing shop owners adjust strategyBy Amanda GreeneFortMillTimes.com

Wilmington, NC — Despite the downturn, the lost jobs and the general doldrums about the economy nationally, Heily Hakan’s Castle Hayne business in boutique children’s clothing is growing.

Illia Designs nearly doubled its orders for handmade swing tops, capri pants and ruffle bloomers between January and February this year. And her business sped up even more in the spring.

Hakan had to put her toddler in preschool a few days a week so she can have enough time to sew and keep up with the orders.

“I used to just sew during her naps,” Hakan said, sitting in her sunny upstairs workshop/artist studio with reams of silky ribbon and patterns hanging from the walls.

The Star-News in Wilmington reported that Hakan is convinced part of the reason her business is growing is her prices – usually $10.50-$30 per item.

“I would never pay $80 for a dress for my child,” she said. “I want to sell it, and if that means dropping the price a little then that’s what I have to do for the economy.”

Many of the local boutique children’s clothing and furniture businesses locally are adapting their business strategies or changing the types of products they carry to match the more cost-conscious habits of their regular customers.

And many of those businesses are continuing to see profits.

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