J Smith Boutique consignment shop to open in Arden

Press release from J Smith Boutique:

From the bustling restaurants of downtown Asheville, to craft beer and outdoor festivals, to charity parties and galas, Asheville fashionistas are setting a new standard for style as they express their individuality and build their personal brand. Now they also have a new place to shop – and sell – “pre-loved garb.”

Co-owners Patricia Smith Lähepelto and Allison Jerele Morison are proud to announce the opening of J Smith Boutique, a designer consignment and luxury boutique located at 100 Julian Lane, Arden, North Carolina. The 1500-square-foot store offers women’s clothing, handbags, footwear and accessories, with current, classic and exceptional items from fashion houses and designers ranging from Kate Spade and Tory Burch to Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton.
“We’re excited to bring a renewed model to designer consignment in the Asheville market,” says Patricia. “The boutique will set a new standard for service, with an exceptional range of merchandise, transparent and timely communications with all of our clients, and ultimately a customized, personal experience for repeat customers.”

J Smith, an amalgam of the owners’ family names, builds on the heritage of designer and retailer Constance Ensner who brought hi-end, designer consignment to the Asheville market 30 years ago. Patricia and Allison bought the business from subsequent owner Heidi Taylor.
“I’m so excited to see the store passed onto its next iteration,” says Constance. “Allison and Patricia are bringing a valuable mix of fashion and business smarts to the table. The shop’s addicted fans are thrilled to know they’ll continue to scoop up one a kind designer finds at such great prices. I can hardly stay away myself!”

Patricia and Allison are Asheville natives, fashion lovers, and marketers who met at a European manufacturer and traveled the world, building the company’s global brand. As long-time customers of Constance Consignment and H Taylor the Store who bought and sold items at the store, they understand the need for a consistent, communications-focused shopping experience. Highlights of the J Smith service model include:

·         Consignors – J Smith customers who consign their goods will ultimately be able to monitor sales progress online for the 60 days items are on the floor. They will automatically receive a check for sales over $50 or build credit towards that total. Unsold merchandise can be reclaimed or will be donated after 60 days.
·         Buyers – Buyers will be able to shop from a wide array of high quality goods, including apparel, handbags, footwear and other accessories. They will be able to purchase goods online on the store’s website and receive targeted emails about designers they follow.

“J Smith customers typically both buy and sell pre-loved garb to build and rotate their wardrobes,” says Allison. “We want to be the first place you visit when you want to share your style with others or find something unique and exciting to wear.”

J Smith will be hosting a Holiday Soirée in the store on December 22, 2016 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. During that time, light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine will be served. There will also be door prizes awarded and pricing specials – just in time for the holidays.