 |
|
For three and a half years, Judy Sweinberg has owned and operated Just Judy's, a trendy boutique in the Dallas Shopping Center. With a customer base of around 1,800, one would think her inventory would fly through the door. Independent, small-business owners know better.
"They say that the first five years are the hardest, and I have to agree," said Judy. " It's been a real struggle at times."
Since Judy is continually looking for new and different styles that will entice more customers into Dallas's premier women's boutique, things are changing.
"I always wanted to open my own boutique, and I remember when another nearby shop closed, I thought to myself, "I don't want to have to go into the city for clothing.' It just sort of clicked, I guess," Judy explained how she came about being in business in the Back Mountain.
Just Judy's offers junior and misses lines that won't be found in
local malls.
"Clothes should be fun," she said.
And fun they are, but Judy is the first to explain that she had no idea what she was getting into when she attended her first accessory and fashion show one weekend in New York City.
"There were over 1,000 vendors there. It was overwhelming, but
my mother and I took a walk through and ordered from a few of them," she said.
Quality is Judy's main consideration. In her words, "upscale, but affordable." She is also trying to improve her misses lines by making them trendier. In essence, she is hoping to bring mothers and daughters into the store to shop together comfortably by providing interesting lines for both.
She also offers free consulting services, which go a long way toward putting that perfect outfit together with accessories.
"Some women buy from a mannequin but don't know how to coordinate," she explained. "I can make that process a lot easier for my customers."
Just Judy's carries everything from tanks (starting at $12.50) to coats (at around $187). Oh, and don't forget about her special-order gowns, which have begun to bring in more of the younger sect from high schools and colleges. Young ladies come in to look for just the right dress for that special occasion.
Judy assures that none of the girls who purchase gowns from her will be dressed alike.
"That is what is nice about a boutique; I'm not Wal-mart!"
Interestingly, there are two fitting rooms in the store that were
hand-painted "boutique style" by her daughter, Kristina Tirva.
Just Judy's also offers semi-annual blowout sales in January and August. Store hours are: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and
Sunday, noon-5 p.m. |
