When Sarah Alden opened the doors at
Play Clothes on Memorial Day weekend last year, she declared herself "owner, buyer, janitor, baby whisperer and Shrinky Dinker."
In other words, she did it all at the distinctive children’s toy and clothing shop. Sales began to soar early on, allowing Alden some relief from her duties.
"We hired one employee a couple months after opening," Alden says. We need one due to strong customer sales."
Alden attributes her swift growth to personal attention to all patrons.
"We focus on providing a personalized experience for everyone who comes through our door - we really know our customers and are able to greet many of them and their children on a first-name basis," she says. "Happily, that has resulted in a great relationship; we really listen to what people want and then [are able to] provide it."
Alden says that, weary of the repetitiveness and lack of unique offerings at mass retailers, she opened her business with a firm commitment to independent, local and fun shopping for children.
Kiddie wear at Play Clothes incorporates many lines created from soft organic cotton and Alden offers a host of baby accessories as well as a baby registry. Educational toys, puzzles, games and books are among playthings available in her downtown Manistee boutique.
Expansion will continue into the summer when Alden adds a dressing room and a customer restroom.
Writer: Kelle Barr
Source: Sarah Alden, Play Clothes
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