For Seniors Only! : Style Encore
Offers Name Brands, Quality and Style for the Budget-Conscious Shopper.
New store sells gently used, high quality women’s clothing and accessories
By Judie Holcomb-Pack
Shannon Kemp never expected to feel as good helping women shop as she did in her career as a speech pathologist, but since opening Style Encore this past spring, she has found “retail therapy” really does bring happiness to both her customers and also herself.
She related a story about a local educator who had been out of work on medical leave and was returning to the classroom, but had lost a lot of weight and didn’t have anything that fit. With the help of staff at Style Encore, she put together several stylish outfits with accessories within her budget, giving her more confidence as she returned to the classroom. Shannon remembers the look of amazement on her face when she put on a pair of knee boots – it was the first time she had ever been able to fit into boots and her radiant smile made her day!
Style Encore is a new franchise brand – by women, for women – and is the first store in North Carolina and the 11th in the country to open. It is not a consignment store; instead they purchase and resell gently-used, high quality clothes that are current fashions. Their entire inventory is purchased locally and includes women’s sizes from 0 to 3X. Unlike most stores that have seasonal items, Style Encore has all seasons all the time, which makes it a great place for travelers who may be going on a winter cruise or beach vacation. Recently a mother and daughter came in to choose outfits for a cruise to Hawaii to celebrate a 25th anniversary.
Prices range from 50% to 70% off retail and include clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Store staff is especially cautious about accepting counterfeit items. Handbags from brands such as Coach, Michael Kors, Cate Spade, and Dooney & Bourke are authenticated before putting on the shelves so shoppers can be assured that they are purchasing genuine brands.
Current fashion trends include tribal prints, faux leather and fur, sweaters and capes, and both tall and short boots. Fashion jewelry, wallets, clutches, wristlets and scarves are in the $10 to $12 range, perfect for gift giving or a Secret Santa exchange.
Shannon has enjoyed helping her customers find outfits for special occasions, such as mother of the bride, rehearsal dinners and luncheons – events where a customer may want a special outfit without spending a lot of money. She has also found it rewarding to help women entering the workforce or going to a new job that required more professional attire. She works within a customer’s budget to find the right outfit to fit her body type and personal style at a reasonable price. Shannon remarked, “When women feel good about how they look, they feel more confident about themselves.”
Style Encore also offers a “Ladies Night Out” for groups and can arrange a makeover, skin care, scarf-tying ideas, and snacks, along with a discount shopping coupon. Groups can also choose to have a percentage of sales donated to charity.
For women who are on a weight-loss program, Style Encore has the added benefit of fitting the customer during all stages of their weight loss, and as they size down, they can resell the clothes to Style Encore, rather than keeping those various-size items in the back of the closet!
Shannon’s initial hesitation at a career change to retail is now one of anticipation for each new day. She looks forward to helping women look their best. “It’s a good feeling helping people.”
Style Encore is located at 243 S.Stratford Road. Contact them at 336-893-9148 or visit www.style-
encoretriad.com for store hours and information about their clothing purchase program. Like them on Facebook at StyleEncoreWinstonSalem.
