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Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Features / Events Frock Shop makes stop in NoDa this weekend
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 12:48 PM
The first time I heard about the Frock Shop, I tried Googling its physical address. Nothing.
"We are a traveling trunk show," says Caroline Cook, owner. "It’s all resale, kind of a consignment concept, but we don’t have a brick and mortar shop."
Hmm. Interesting.
Since its inception in April 2010, the Frock Shop has hosted seven trunk shows, offering clothing, accessories, shoes and more, in various spaces, from businesses like Reaching Design and Saavy & Co. to private homes as far away as Union County. In partnering with various local businesses, cross-promoting is key, giving exposure to Frock Shop, whatever space is hosting the trunk show and any other business that is involved. At the last event, 75 to 100 people showed up.
"It’s definitely festive," Cook says. "We certainly do take over a space. I have anywhere from six to eight racks of clothing, and it really runs the gamut. It’s name-brand, it’s vintage, it’s designer. About 90 percent of it is resale. Most of the clothing, accessories, shoes are priced from $5 to $50. They’re in excellent condition. It’s a great way to score a pair of Diesel jeans for $30."
What's allowed Cook to offer such low prices is simply that she doesn't have the overhead of a brick and mortar shop. In addition, as she chooses the pieces she will add to her inventory (a sampling pictured below), she keeps in mind her consumers.
"The key for me is the deal. In order for me to be able to offer the prices for $5-$50, I have to get it really cheap. I turn down a lot of great stuff because I can’t offer it at a price my clientele is looking for."
While these may be resale pieces, found from thrifting, consignment shops, close-out sales, the Internet and other places, Cook makes sure to only include pieces that are up on the current trends or are classic pieces that will stand the test of time. And of course, as she is the one making these selections, her own personal taste plays a role as well. "Since I choose every single piece, I certainly can’t say I’m not in there somewhere. I’m intimately involved with each garment. [laughs]"
The next Frock Shop trunk show will be held this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11 and 12. Frock Shop, having picked up Vitamin Water as a sponsor this year (their focus this year is on fashion and action sports), is partnering with Custom Jewelry and Espada Bicycles, who share a space in NoDa (3205 N. Davidson St.). Food will be provided by Proper Cupcakes.
"The show on Saturday goes from 12 p.m. to midnight. Our regular customers know everything is first come and first serve," Cook says. "The inventory goes out all at once. The most prime shopping time on Saturday is from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. I think in the evening it’s going to be very busy. We have three to four DJs lined up to play. We’re going to be making Vitamin Water cocktail punch that will be a lot of fun. I think it’ll be harder to shop the racks when it’s bumping in there. I would suggest some early shopping on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday we’ll be there 12 p.m.-4 p.m."
(photos courtesy Caroline Cook)
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