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TechnographDandelion: a different kind of vintage store
By Jenny Winkler
Posted: 10/28/04 Section: Features
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Even with the change in policy, Hudson said Dandelion is still in need of more space for clothing. She solved this problem by opening up another vintage shop, Rocket Retro, in September for reduced-price clothing. Rocket Retro, 75 E. Chester St., is at Dandelion's original location.
"I try to listen to customers," Hudson said. "If two or three people ask for something, I try my best to get what they need. The store's changed based on the customer base."
Hudson said her largest group of customers is students ranging from middle school to college. People also shop at her store for costumes, she said. But her customers are not just students. Hudson said adults come to her store because of their preference for retro clothing. If people are planning a theme party or fraternities and sororities have an exchange, Hudson offers them an opportunity to come to Dandelion at a specific time to shop and get discounts.
"I heard to come to Dandelion, and I liked it so I came back," said Clara Hoag, freshman in LAS.
Halloween is Dandelion's busiest time of the year. Hudson said some people come in and say, "I don't know what to be, help." Employees start them off by asking about favorite characters while looking over what the store has in stock. Hudson said she has been trying to convince two girls to purchase ice skating outfits and trick-or-treat as Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. Dandelion will be open until 9 p.m. through Halloween to help customers pick out costumes.
Dandelion has good competition with other stores, said Hudson. She sends people who want jewelry that Dandelion does not carry to Rebecca's, 204 N. Neil St., across the courtyard. Dandelion employees also recommend customers to Le Shoppe, 110 E. University Ave.
"Each of our stores are a little different so we all work together," Hudson said.
Hudson said some people choose to shop at Dandelion rather than the mall, but that most people combine the two. However, Hudson said she has heard some customers say they prefer to shop at her store because the clothes are cheaper and "already broken in."
"The mall sucks," Hoag said. "I like shopping here a lot. The people are really nice and I like the purses."
"I try to listen to customers," Hudson said. "If two or three people ask for something, I try my best to get what they need. The store's changed based on the customer base."
Hudson said her largest group of customers is students ranging from middle school to college. People also shop at her store for costumes, she said. But her customers are not just students. Hudson said adults come to her store because of their preference for retro clothing. If people are planning a theme party or fraternities and sororities have an exchange, Hudson offers them an opportunity to come to Dandelion at a specific time to shop and get discounts.
"I heard to come to Dandelion, and I liked it so I came back," said Clara Hoag, freshman in LAS.
Halloween is Dandelion's busiest time of the year. Hudson said some people come in and say, "I don't know what to be, help." Employees start them off by asking about favorite characters while looking over what the store has in stock. Hudson said she has been trying to convince two girls to purchase ice skating outfits and trick-or-treat as Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. Dandelion will be open until 9 p.m. through Halloween to help customers pick out costumes.
Dandelion has good competition with other stores, said Hudson. She sends people who want jewelry that Dandelion does not carry to Rebecca's, 204 N. Neil St., across the courtyard. Dandelion employees also recommend customers to Le Shoppe, 110 E. University Ave.
"Each of our stores are a little different so we all work together," Hudson said.
Hudson said some people choose to shop at Dandelion rather than the mall, but that most people combine the two. However, Hudson said she has heard some customers say they prefer to shop at her store because the clothes are cheaper and "already broken in."
"The mall sucks," Hoag said. "I like shopping here a lot. The people are really nice and I like the purses."
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