Finding a good pair of jeans or a flattering bathing suit is one of the hardest tasks a woman will
ever accomplish. That is why connectwithcharlotte.com wanted to chat with Denim Affair of Blakeney’s owner, Paige McManus to discover more about her denim retail store and what it offers.
Ms. McManus did not have a background in retail before she opened Denim Affair although based on the success of her store that is hard to believe sometimes! In fact, Ms. McManus worked on Capitol Hill for fifteen years before moving to Charlotte to live closer to her sister. She thought when she moved here she would find a job in corporate America, but then began to dream of owning her own business. She pondered what the consumer not only wanted, but needed and then considered her own love of a great pair of jeans. This began the birth of her much desired denim store.
A pair of jeans can be found at many stores, so Ms. McManus knew she wanted her denim concept to be different. She began by conducting focus groups to see what the consumer really wanted in a pair of jeans and in a store that caters to that. She at first thought she would carry only high end specialty jeans, but learned through the focus groups that the general public also wanted a mid-priced pair. While Ms. McManus was lining up her business plan and concept that would put her on the path to owning south Charlotte’s premier denim boutique, she worked at a local retail store to gain experience in the retail market since this was a new avenue for her. She did further denim research online and went to market in Atlanta as she got ready to launch her new store.
Thus Denim Affair of Blakeney opened in the Blakeney shopping center in October 2008. The store is upscale and sophisticated, yet relaxed at the same time. It is well laid out and organized where the customer can clearly see the merchandise. Denim Affair specializes in jeans that are under $100 as well as other higher end jeans that are over $100, including brands such as Red Engine and Denim of Virtue. According to Ms. McManus, many customers are surprised to find that all of the denim is not high-end with the fit and look never being compromised.
The clothing at Denim Affair can fit most body types. One of the beauties of the store is the ability for the sales staff to find a cool jean that is age appropriate and flattering no matter what your size. In fact, Ms. McManus can eye the body type of her customers and suggest a jean that will be comfortable and look fabulous. Some customers who have not shopped for a great pair of jeans in a while may have sticker shock, but Ms. McManus is confident that finding the right fit is worth every penny and ultimately builds an extremely loyal customer. Most women tend to agree since a pair of jeans is worn so often and how you feel in them is crucial for confidence.
Ms. McManus wants her store to be known as “the” store for jeans and other denim products, such as dresses, skirts, and jackets. Denim Affair also carries upscale tshirts, purses, and belts. Although the primary clientele is women, Denim Affair also caters to men as well for a superb looking jean and would like to expand their male selection.
The merchandise at Denim Affair is never trendy, but always current. Ms. McManus believes that if your fashionable jeans still work even if they are from last year’s line, then keep wearing them. However, if you are looking for a new pair of jeans that is just right, then stop in and let a sales person or Ms. McManus herself help you to find the pair that is everything for which you have always hoped. The motto of Denim Affair is for you to “fall in love with your jeans” and the staff is willing and able to help you do just that! Visit them online at denimaffaironline.com or at the store in the Blakeney shopping center.
