Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Silverman.
Evelyn, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always wanted to have a retail shop… After finishing graduate school, I began my journey by being a manufacturers representative for children’s clothing. Then, I designed and manufactured high-end handbags in Italy.
I worked in retail shops to learn their systems and then designed and manufactured a children’s clothing line that sold in Asia and the US. I have always had a hand in clothing and or accessories to learn as much as possible about the fashion business. I did all this while raising a family of four daughters and then waited until they were grown to start my own retail shop.
I thought it best to open a shop in an area that was new and growing and evolve with the population. I had an idea of what I wanted to sell and how I wanted to present the merchandise. I investigated lines and vendors and began collecting the goods to sell. I opened the shop just before Christmas 2016 and have tweaked my merchandise according to the needs of my customers. My staff has changed a bit since opening but I feel extremely fortunate to have the ladies I have with me now. They are a very cohesive group that works well together, yet each has their own area of expertise.
The retail business has completely changed over the past decade. Social media and online shopping have overtaken the industry. It is absolutely imperative to keep up with the times but, I do know from my brick and mortar shop that there are still people out there that want to be pampered. They want to try on and touch and feel the merchandise. They enjoy great customer service. Competition is fierce therefore you have to offer it all to your customers.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I had a vision of what I wanted to carry in my shop but needed to make changes and adjust to the consumers in the area. It took a little while to put together a good cohesive team, but now everyone is wonderful! In retail, this is a continuing challenge.
Very Betty – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have a boutique that is ever-evolving. I keep up with customers, market trends, and pay attention to customer feedback. I’m price and quality conscious and always looking for new and innovative merchandise. We have incredible customer service (we deliver), honest opinions and friendly employees.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Fashion and Gift Trends are always changing… that’s a given. The industry has really changed since online shopping and Amazon. However, there are always going to be those people who want to try on, touch and feel and just plain socialize while shopping. Everyone is going to have to distinguish themselves in one way or another, whether online or brick and mortar. It could be by pricing, customer service, return policies, shipping. Retail has become extremely competitive and it is up to the consumer to decide on his/her priority.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1170 N. Preston Rd.
Ste.110
Prosper, TX 75078 - Phone: 214-534-0494
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: shopverybetty
- Facebook: shopverybetty
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