A new boutique, designed to bring a personalized shopping experience to downtown Royal Oak, will open its doors in the former Elie Wine Co. storefront along Main Street on July 16.
Meghan Marion — which carries contemporary brands such as 7 For All Mankind, Michael Stars, and BB Dakota and Tees by Tina — will keeps things personal with extra touches, including complementary styling services while offering customers a glass of wine during their visit, says owner Meghan Hart.
Hart, who has a degree in entrepreneurship from DePaul University in Chicago, says she was inspired to open the customer-focused store after working in retail over the past six years.
“(This experience) is something people crave, but don’t always get,” says Hart, who has worked for specialty, boutique, and big box stores. “When my sister, mom, and I go shopping, and we walk into a store that feels like (the staff) wants to get to know you, that’s where we thrive in our shopping experience. And I just wasn’t finding it around here.”
The 1,350-square-foot store, at 405 S. Main, is furnished with estate sale finds and chandeliers, a style Hart describes as “rustic chic.” At the start, Hart and her mother will staff the shop before hiring employees.
“I think it’s important for us to get to know our customers before we hire someone,” Hart says. “That way, we can create those expectations for the Meghan Marian brand and grow more effectively.”
Hart also plans to offer an e-commerce website. Although, she notes, “it’s important that it has that personalized experience.”
The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 12-7 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit meghanmarion.com. Customers who like the store’s Facebook page or join its mailing list this month will receive 15 percent off their entire purchase.
