Retailer of the Month

What is Z-Life?  At first glance it appears to be an ultra-hip & trendy Men's boutique that has the very best in denim, accessories and kicks, but when you look a little deeper, you quickly see it's much, much, more than that.   As the Retro Brand Retailer of the Month for May, I take that closer look in my interview with the man who puts the Zing in the Z-Life Denim Lounge, owner Adam Zuckerman.

Adam in his comfort zone.

Andy:  I love the wide selection of jeans & accessories in Z-Life, but it's the Lemon Heads and Fireballs that caught my eye.  What's up with that?

Adam:  I am an old school guy who simply wanted to have an environment in the store that would make my customers comfortable.  Having several candy jars filled with favorites from your childhood immediately gives the customer a feeling that they're in a happy place and makes the shopping experience that much more enjoyable.  More importantly, the kids love it.  We also have games for the kids to play with while their parents browse.

Andy:  Can I say brilliant?  What other nuances do you feel add to the Z-Life experience that make it stand out from other Mens boutiques?

Adam:  As people who have become regulars in the community would tell you, while I have a very low pressure sales approach, I have a very aggressive relationship approach.   In the five years we've been here, I've had the pleasure of seeing kids grow through their High School years and head off to college.  By getting to know so many families personally, I know what school this son or that daughter will be attending, and I make sure to stock my t-shirt shelves with those schools.

That is just one example that shows my customers know that I'm honestly more interested in helping them out & getting to know them and their needs, then simply closing a sale.   Retail is in my blood - It's who I am, and my customers know my dedication and passion.

Andy:  You just don't find that kind of attentiveness enough these days.  I know from my own shopping experiences that fakery and high pressure never work, and I HATE shopping.  The informal poll taken in my head presumes most men feel the way I do.   Am I right?  Since you cater mostly to men (70% Mens apparel 30% Womens), how do you handle the apathy?

Adam:  I'd say your partially right.  I prefer to say that men don't want to shop in a women's store, and women will shop anywhere.  Most men like to shop quickly, get in - get out, but are open to advice and talking about sports.  I'm a huge sports fan so it makes it easy to converse with them (and the women for that matter) whether it's what's currently happening in the world of sports, or more often than not, the good old days.  There is a huge flat screen TV in the store programmed to ESPN most of the time (I'll change to Nickelodeon for the kids, or anything else a customer might want to see) and I have several sports books and magazines that get referenced on a regular basis.  Of course the vintage Retro Brand shirts always get the conversation about sports going, which is one of the things I love about the brand.

Room with a view.

Andy:  So between your one-on-one valuable input, the old school candy, ESPN, and Retro Brand vintage shirts, suddenly shopping isn't so terrible.  Thanks for the compliment too.  What are some of the other things you love about Retro Brand?

Adam:  I promise I'm not saying this just because you're doing a story on Z-Life, but when it comes to buying product for the store, there is nothing more enjoyable then sitting down with Marc (Marc Herman, CEO of Retro Brand) and going through the treasure trove of vintage Retro Brand graphics and talking sports.  So many of the logos and graphics conjure up great sports memories of my time growing up and events that customers my age remember.  Not only do the older customers feel a positive connection with the shirts, but the younger kids are genuinely fascinated to learn what they're about as well.  Retro Brand also allows me to be very timely in the shirts I buy -  from the NCAA Final Four, to spring break, to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Buying mens denim and womens blouses may pay the bills, but not nearly as fun.

Andy:  What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job?

Adam:  As you may have guessed, it's the relationships I've been lucky enough to have fostered over the years.  I truly cherish them.  I've found a comfortable niche in a fantastic community.  Also when I hear a customer say something like "This is a great store!"

Another part of the job that's pretty rewarding is being able to get up every morning and throw on a crisp pair of plaid shorts, a Retro Brand vintage shirt, and my favorite pair of sneakers and head into the store.   That's me.  That's rewarding.

Andy:  That is awesome, and you are awesome for taking the time to speak with me today.  Thank you!

To learn more about Z-Life denim Lounge, you can visit them online here.

We highly recommend stopping in the store if you are ever in the Rye Brooke, NY area.  You know Adam and his staff will treat you right.

138B South Ridge Street.

Rye Brook, New York 10573

store phone:  914-937-5433 (life)

fax:  914-937-5434

Denim all day.

Best service in the biz smile brought to you by Lindsay.

Today we're honored to announce LESTER'S as the first Retro Brand "Retailer of The Month" for 2013. 

One flourishing retail location in Brooklyn founded in 1948 with a concept of treating customers like gold and providing passion for fashion, has paid off big time over the years and now LESTER'S has grown into six thriving locations in the New York-New Jersey area.

Andy had the privilege to speak with Jill Oralevich, Divisional Merchandise Manager for LESTER'S, about what makes the iconic stores so very special.

Andy:  It’s pretty amazing that Lester’s started with that one retail shop in Brooklyn over 60 years ago, and today is known as one of the trendiest fashion chains in the entire New York area.  How much of a part does tradition play in the Lester’s shopping experience?

Jill:  Although today the six stores may be run by a new generation of data and reporting, at the root of it all is a way of conducting business that was started by its founders Lester and Lillian Kronfeld.  Lester's entire core runs on a simple retail philosophy which is "family values, a good work ethic, and to always treat customers fairly".

Andy:  Obviously that simple philosophy has been implemented well.  I love the wide variety of options available at Lester’s.  Is there any particular segment that Lester’s is best known for, or would “one stop shop” apply here?

Jill:  We offer product from Layette to Contemporary Women's apparel.  Throughout our stores and across our product categories we feature the most current brands and hottest trends and fashions.

Andy:  How long have you been with the company, and what would you say is the most rewarding part of your job?

Jill:  I have worked at Lester's for nearly a year, although it seems as if I have been here for much longer.  Joining Lester's was becoming part of an extended family.  The people I work with are not only talented, but committed to success.

The Hook-up Lester's style; Jeans, Sneaks, & Retro Brand.

Andy:  A good combination, indeed.  As you know, Celebrities & fashion go hand in hand.  Do any of your locations, Manhattan in particular, find themselves being frequented by the New York fashion elite and who might some of them be?

Jill:  Being located in the heart of the Upper East Side and being known as one of the trendiest hot spots for fashionistas of all ages, we often are shopped by the fashion elite.  At Lester's, all of our customers are famous!

Andy:  Great and refreshing answer - didn't see that coming.  We’re so glad you've chosen Retro Brand as one of your vendors.  What is it about our products that you and your customers appreciate?

Jill:  Retro Brand offers our customers unique body styles and graphics along with a quality of fabrics and uniqueness of color!

Andy:  Another great answer!  Thanks for the kind words and taking the time today, Jill.

If you're ever in the New York or New Jersey area, please stop into one of the locations listed on the LESTER'S home page here for a memorable and unique shopping experience like no other.

Uniqueness of color on display at Lester's!

"Nebraska football is life."

In the most recent home game for the Nebraska Cornhuskers a few weekends ago, they spotted the Wisconsin Badgers a 27-10 lead before storming back to a 30-27 victory in front of a cozy 81,067 'Sea of Red' at Memorial Field in Lincoln.  Football is life in Nebraska as a record 322 straight home sellouts attest.  When partners (and sisters-in-law) Kristen and Megan Geissinger decided to open their women's boutique in May of 2011 in Omaha, they new they had a market they could count on.  Boy were they right.  I sat down with Kristen to talk about how she got started in the business and more, as we bestow her store, Statement, the Retro Brand Retailer of The Month for October.

Andy: Can you pinpoint when the world of fashion and football collided for you?

Kristen: I grew up in a Husker household with a very influencing Dad and brother, so loving Nebraska football and all sports was a no-brainer.  There are no pro teams in Nebraska, so college football reigns supreme.  I'm still a girl at heart and have always been interested in all aspects of fashion and design since I was little, so I suppose the collision started when I was a toddler.  I did go to Nebraska for Broadcast journalism and design, so in the end I guess it all worked out.

Andy:  In the bio on your website (http://www.statementomaha.com/), it mentions you worked as an intern on the Rachel Ray Show.  How'd you end up with that job and who was the coolest guest you can remember?

Kristen:  I decided to go to F.I.T (Fashion Institute of Technology) after Nebraska, and applied for various internship opportunities while there.  F.I.T was amazing with helping get great interviews.  The Rachel Ray Show seemed like the best fit and I got the position.  I clicked immediately with the stylist and loved my entire experience there.  My first day on the program, Bill Clinton was a guest!  In general I don't get starstruck, but I definitely got giddy that time.  It was pretty crazy because the secret service had to come in and their dogs had to sniff everything out.

Husker household (L to R) - Kristen's Dad Chuck, Sis-in-law & biz partner Megan, Kristen's Mom Diane, and Kristen.

Andy:  Talk about learning on the job...wow.  Obviously that gig didn't last forever.  When did you and Megan get together and come up with the "eureka" idea for Statement?

Kristen:  Would you believe it happened on a vacation in Mexico over several margarita's?  I had been working at a boutique that just wasn't working for me, and Megan had risen through the ranks of retail and wanted something she could call her own.  After margarita # 5 we decided we would literally make our own statement, and not long after coming home, we did.

Andy: Yes, I would believe it happened exactly as you described  (Maybe a few more margarita's).  I know the store originally catered to women, but you recently expanded to include men's clothing.  How's that working out for you?

Kristen:  It's only been a few weeks, but so far so good.  We were constantly being encouraged by several of our customers (and their boyfriends and husbands) to carry men's gear too, so why not give the customers what they want, right?

Fashion and Football collide inside STATEMENT

Andy:  We certainly hope they meant Retro Brand gear to be in the mix, and are honored that you carry our product and display it so well and prominently in your store.  Can you tell us a little bit about how and why our brand works for you?

Kristen:  Women can be hard on themselves when they go shopping, but when they leave with a bag of Retro Brand gear saying they had so much fun in our store, that is very rewarding for the both of us.  We love the vintage graphics and the styles are unique and trendy - the tops are SO cute!  Aside from the Nebraska gear that moves briskly, the Rock N' Roll, classic cars, beer and old cartoon shirts complete the mix perfectly.

Andy: Well it's equally rewarding for us to hear that, and congratulations on being the newest Retro Brand Retailer of The Month!

If you're ever in the Omaha, Nebraska area, please stop in to visit Kristen and Megan at Statement.

3612 North 165th Street

Omaha, NE 68116

402- 932 – 5922 

Store Hours: 

Monday: By appointment only

Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am – 6pm

Thurs: 10am – 8pm

Sun: 12-5pm

When you own a 5,000+ square foot store filled with the best selection of hard to find Mens and Boys shoes, sneakers, shirts, jeans, jackets, accessories, and the preverbial much, much more, you have to have a recipe for success.  Brothers Danny and Stephen Steiner from New Jersey have been in the retail apparel business for over 40 years and can fill their own cookbook.  580 South in Livingston New Jersey is where everything is sauteed and simmered, and they are the Retro Brand Retailer of The Month for September.  We check in with older brother Danny on the latest...

Andy: Clearly you and your brother have a very special store.  Any special meaning to the name 580 South? 

Danny:  It's kind of funny, but not really.  After we kicked around a few hundred different names that we couldn't agree on, we actually chose the store address for the name - 580 South.

Andy:  It's catchy, and there's no questioning where you're located!  40 years in the biz.  Wow.  You don't even look 40.  Explain.

Danny:  Our parents had clothing stores so we grew up in the business.  After I graduated college from Farleigh Dickinson, I thought I might try something different, but I had to come back to what I knew and loved best.  580 South is our second store, and we've been at this location for 7 years.   Our first store was located  in Newark, NJ, going back to 1971.

Andy: That explains it.  Obviously your experience is a big part of the aforementioned recipe for success.  Can you touch on a few other reasons for us?

Danny:  We've always focused on boys to men, from 8 years old to 88.  You correctly mentioned that we have hard to find products and that's a very big reason for our strong following.  We pride ourselves on the products we carry, and we are a one stop shop for every clothing category from head to toe.  Aside from all of this, at the end of the day it always comes down to exceptional customer service and being attentive to every single customer that walks through our door.

"Before we knew it, we had bins and bins of Retro Brand...."

Andy:  I get the sense your team is very attentive, indeed.  What gives you the biggest kick on a typical day at 580?

Danny:  I really love when a customer comes in looking for a specific item and finds it...  Say a new pair of Air Jordan's he couldn't find anywhere else.  Then he adds on a pair of jeans, and then a shirt to match.  Then he says something like "I've only seen cool stuff like this in SOHO (New York City)," or "I've never seen this kind of gear anywhere."   That's what I get a kick out of, and it's very rewarding.

Andy:  Is it safe to assume that "shirt to match" is a cool Retro Brand shirt more often then not?  Also, what is it about Original Retro Brand that made you want to carry the line in your store?

Danny: (Laughing) I'll just say often enough!  Gosh, we've been carrying Retro Brand for years.  We'd never heard of them before, but were at a trade show and saw an old Philadelphia 76's shirt with a vintage logo we recognized from when we were kids on it that caught our eye.  Once we felt the soft hand, we knew we had to give it a try.  Before you knew it, we had bins filled with all the top colleges and it's been one of our best lines ever since.  The vintage logo's relate to all ages, the quality is unsurpassed, and the Made in the USA label are important to our customers.

Andy:  Thanks so much for the very kind words and carrying our product for all these years, and congratulations on earning the well deserved title of Retro Brand Retailer of the month!

If you are ever in the Livingston New Jersey or New York City vicinity and need to look your very best from head to toe, please visit 580 South.  You will also find them online at 580south.com and please Like them on Facebook too. 

580 South is also a regular supporter of The Valerie Fund which provides comprehensive health care services for children with cancer and blood disorders.  Please give if you can.

580SOUTH

580 S. Livingston Ave.

Livingston, NJ 07039

973-758-0580

M-Sat: 10-6

Thursday: 10-7

Sunday: 12-4

What I'm saying is you can never have enough cropped tops, right?  There's an ultra hip boutique in Madison, Wisconsin, where you'll find hundreds of 'em, and a whole lot more of the swoon worthiest selection of shoes, bags, denim, and accessories from our Retailer Of The Month for August - bop. 

I recently had the pleasure to speak with bop's Buyer & Store Manager, Kristin Hanefeld, who shared some of the fun that goes into a typical day at the college hot spot.

Andy:  The minute you see the name 'bop,' it seems you're automatically in a good mood - and a shopping mood for some reason. What's the meaning behind the name?

Kristin:  I know, right?  This is actually some inside information for you because I don't think the story is out there, so hear goes...  three good friends came up with the idea for this denim store, and were doing some research trying to come up with a cool androgynous name when they stumbled across an old album cover from the 50's called "Blue Jean Bop."  That was the "Eureka!" moment, and bop was born.

Andy:  We're honored you shared that highly classified info with us (For the record, the album jacket they probably stumbled across was a Rock N' Roll classic by Gene Vincent and his blue caps that came out in 1956.).  Can you tell us when bop opened their doors, and then explain how you came on board?

Kristin:  The store opened in 1999, with the website Shopbop.com going live in 2000.  I started in 2006 after earning my degree in fashion marketing at Madison College.

Andy:  Refreshing to see you were able to use your degree to find employment in a field you love.  You do love it, right?

Kristin:  Yes, I do love it.  I can honestly say coming to work every day is different and fun.  You never know what it's going to entail, and it's never mundane.

Andy:  Can you give me a few examples of this awesome non-mundaneness, and what's up with the dog I see in the photo's?

Kristin:  Ha, that's Sonic!  So here's the story about Sonic the dog;  He's a rescue dog and I just adopted him 2 months ago right outside of Minneapolis.  I figure he ran away from Minnesota because he was sick of being a Gopher fan (ummm maroon and gold… Who does that look good on?) and longed to be a Badger - Red and White all the way!  Sonic definitely helps in keeping mundaneness at bay.

Then there's the core of our customers who go to school at the University of Wisconsin, and they have a ton of school spirit which they bring with them when they come to the store.  And even though we only sell women's apparel and accessories, there are a good number of guys who come in and shop for their girlfriends too.  There just always seems to be an upbeat, happy vibe.

I also get to work on merchandising the store, and of course I love the buying.  Most of our vendors visit me in the store, and I do get to go to New York for the Coterie trade show, and may to go to Las Vegas for the Project show.  I love the constant pace of what's trending in fashion, and making sure bop is at the forefront of those trends.  It's an exciting place to be, and you just have to visit us and experience it for yourself.

Andy: I may just do that.  The Wisconsin-Minnesota rivalry game is in October & I've never been...  Anyway, let's get back to buying.  What kind of styles do you buy for the store when it comes to Original Retro Brand?

Kristin:  Since 70-75% of our customers go to the University of Wisconsin, Badger gear is what I primarily focus on.  I love the Original Retro Brand vintage 2-tone hoodies and scoop backs.  Those cropped tops you mentioned?  Love them.  The fashion bodies and oversized bodies just blow out of here.  You guys are always on the cutting edge and that makes my job pretty easy.

"Fashion bodies blow out of here fast..."

Thanks for the kind words Kristin, and congratulations on having bop named as the Original Retro Brand Retailer of the Month.

If you're ever in the Madison, Wisconsin area, we highly recommend you stop in and see Kristin and the boptarts (and Sonic)!  Follow them on Twitter & Find them on Facebook.

Phone: 608-255-2570

222 W. Gorham St. Madison, Wisconsin  53703

Store Hours:

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.  CHECK US OUT ON PINTEREST AND INSTAGRAM TOO!

Erin Turner went to college to study speech pathology.  Turns out her path took a different direction.  Happily for the folks in Oklahoma who run MetroShoe Warehouse, our Original Retro Brand Retailer of the Month for June, Erin's path led to their door where she's worked her way up from a sales associate to buyer extraordinaire.

Andy:  How long have you been with MSW, and tell us about your aforementioned progression to your current buyer position?

Erin:  I've been with the company for twelve years, and I've seen the company grow immensely in that time.  I've been fortunate to have worked on the sales floor and learn the business on many levels.  My main role today is managing the e-commerce side with a focus on women's accessories and apparel.  The progression was just natural for me because I've always believed strongly in the store concepts, products and promotions, and have been on board with the program since day one.  I love it.

Andy:  Since "Shoe" is part of the store name, I assume that is the main part of your business? 

Erin: Yes, obviously shoes have always been an important part of the business and remain so today.  However, our apparel side has exploded in both of our locations and online in a very short time, and is complimenting our footwear business beautifully.  Even though MSW has been in business for fourteen years, they actually began selling apparel just three years ago!

BUSINESS IS BOOMING.

Andy:  That's fantastic, and we certainly wouldn't be having this conversation if the explosion didn't take place!  Do the two locations battle it out for school supremacy, so to speak - the Oklahoma Sooners at the Norman location , and the Oklahoma State Cowboys gear in Oklahoma City?

Erin:  Not exactly.  Seems like the bulk of the biz booms with OU, as in "Boomer-Sooner."  I'd say it's roughly an 80-20 split in favor of the Sooners at both locations.  That's not to say we don't do a brisk business for the Cowboys as well.

Andy: We're just glad to know business is booming, regardless.  Did you notice the Oklahoma City Thunder are in the NBA Western Conference Finals?  Has that helped put a boom in the biz as well?

Erin:  Haha... oh yes, I'm well aware.  The support for the Thunder has been incredible all season long, and it's been so much fun and exciting to feel the buzz and pulse of the fans through the stores.  The city has fully embraced them, and we have a hard time keeping inventory on the shelves I'm happy to report.

Andy:  I kind of figured that would be case, and wish them luck the rest of the way.  I do want to get back to your college business and Original Retro Brand in particular.  How does our brand effect your buying decisions?

Erin: First of all I should tell you the relationship we have with Original Retro Brand is simply amazing and awesome - we love you guys.  The bulk of our collegiate business is with your brand for good reason, and makes my buying decisions easy.  I love the variety of fashion pieces and the quality is unmatched, period.  We also really enjoy teaming up with you for frequent unique promotions and advertising  opportunities.

Andy:  Thanks for the kind words Erin, and of course the feeling is mutual!

If you're in the Oklahoma City or Norman, Oklahoma vicinities, please visit one of the MetroShoe Warehouse locations.  You can also find them online @ www.metroshoewarehouse.com

2240 W. Memorial Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
405-302-5150

Store Hours
Monday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday 11 p.m.-6 p.m.

1806 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069
405-321-6544

Store Hours
Monday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday 11 p.m.-6 p.m.