As the national economy has faced fierce headwinds, Georgetown shops along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue have largely weathered the storm, holding fast to a firm foundation. The economy is making its way back to normal. In general, Georgetown shops seem to be cautiously optimistic about what 2010 will bring.
SimplySoles, a designer shoe store, opened in Georgetown Park Mall in March and had a great response from clients in the area. Before, SimplySoles sold shoes all over the world through its website, But with a Georgetown presence, residents and fashionistas combing Georgetown for ideas are thrilled to actually see all the beautiful shoes live and the chance to meet Kassie Rempel, the owner and founder of SimplySoles. Rempel is excited about the store and her exclusive designers.
Lillybee, a line that Rempel designs herself, has been the number one collection since she launched it in the Spring of 2008. Rempel also teams up with many other well-known and high-end designers such as Butter, Chie Mihara and Bettye Muller to create new and exciting color combos and shoes that can only be found at SimplySoles. With a hot summer in progress, a cute pair of SimplySoles sandals, flats or heels will spice up any outfit and have you looking fabulous for every occasion this season.
Another store in Georgetown reports significant progress since this time last year. Ada Polla, President and CEO of Alchimie Forever, a skin care line, said her studio is up by 20 percent over last year. “Which isn't as fantastic as it sounds because this time last year sucked!” she said in her signature, disarming way. Alchimie Forever is a skin care line originating in Switzerland, created by Polla's parents, who are medical doctors. Alchimie Forever moved store locations last year in July which was a hard and risky move due to the economy. The result was phenomenal and well worth the risk. Besides a 20 percent increase, the studio was able to move into a bigger and more beautiful showroom to display products with a customized interior.
The new space helped Polla's business grow. What Alchimie sells nationally and internationally ships from the Georgetown location. Events and training take place live in Georgetown. With a clientele of exclusive international and U.S. spas and beauty boutiques, about 90 percent of Alchimie Forever's profits come from clients like Georgetown's Hela Spa and SomaFit. The other 10 percent (and growing) comes from clients who enter the boutique and try the products, or hear about them online.
Polla's father always told her that the best way to determine a women's true age is not by the face but by the skin around her face, thus making Alexandrite a product that is particularly popular. It's a tightening and firming gel for the neck, bust, arms, and all the skin surrounding the face. Alexandrite was an original Alchimie product, now enjoying a new wave of popularity.
Despite challenges, stores like SimplySoles and Alchimie Forever have weathered the economic storm by finding their client base, knowing their customers, and sticking with patrons who then become devoted fans. That's a receipe for success everyone can admire.
By Kenzie Andelin
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