Home

Name: Peachepot

Type of business: Women’s clothing store, including shoes, handbags, and jewelry

Address: 234 Raritan Ave., Highland Park

Telephone: (732) 214-0404

Web site: www.Facebook.com/peachepot

Founded: September 2008

Hours: Closed Mondays; open Tuesday, 12-6 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Top officer: Nora Weinberg, owner

How would you describe your business?

“We are a small, 700-square-foot women’s clothing store. I try to keep a nice mix of everything in our space to resemble a giant walk-in closet,” said owner Nora Weinberg.

“I carry merchandise ranging from T-shirts and jeans to elegant gowns and accessories, mixing name brands and vintage, with most items going from $20 to $50. I also carry belts, shoes, scarves, purses, and jewelry — bangle bracelets, sterling, and some great vintage pieces that are ageless. I try to find what is trendy now and what is being worn right now in this area. People do want what is in the magazines like in Star, Stylewatch.”

What makes your business special?

“Our store is the only one in the area that has clothing for young girls and women with many customers who are over 50. I try to not get items that all the department stores are ordering. (They tell you which things have been ordered at the showrooms). If it’s really great, I’ll get it. But I try to get items that are a little more different — that you won’t see someone else wearing.

“I have a lot of items for the stroller moms and those with older children. It’s not just for miniskirts. I’ve got a lot of skirts with varying lengths from below the knee, to the ankle and those with elasticized waists and a variety of colors and crazy prints.

“I also try to give personalized help to the customer. So if someone is looking for something for an event and if they give me a little time (not the next day) I will give them line sheets for different companies and show them what’s available. I can search for Vintage items and keep a running list of interested customers so that when I hunt for vintage, I can call them and tell them to come by the store to check out the new vintage findings.”

What goals do you have for the business?

“My goal is to grow the business and sustain it. I really like bringing in new and great stuff. I’m mostly interested in finding cool stuff at good prices and finding companies that are nice to work with willing to sell in smaller lots.”

How has your business changed?

“When I opened the store last fall, I planned three price points: low, medium, and high. But my pricing policy was challenged by the worsening economy and I changed the pricing to feature lower prices and began featuring vintage clothing. But I’ve noticed that people are interested in newer things so I’m learning daily to change to adapt to my customers.”

What was you most important deal?

“Going on Facebook. I had started a Web site, but it really wasn’t doing that much for me. I still have a Web presence, but going on Facebook, which is free, has made a difference. And I am working to keep my Facebook page updated by putting up pictures of what’s the latest in the store.”

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

“This store is part of my five-year plan. In the future I’d like to be bigger store in a larger location and possibly sell men’s clothes. For myself I’d also like to have a career perhaps in writing about fashion as well as the store.”

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your business?

“The most important thing I’ve learned is being careful about money and the need to save it. You have to think about what you purchase and making sure that what goes into the business will come back out. My degree is not in business, but I’ve learned about business from working in retail so I’m used to what has to be done.”

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

“I would suggest they get hands-on experience working in retail. I worked at a gift store — the Centerpiece Store in Highland Park — for five years while I was attending college. I started as a salesgirl, then after three years became a manager doing a fair amount of the buying, training employees, making displays, and coming up with marketing ideas. I got good experience there getting retail and selling experience. But selling clothing is different. For this shop, I had to learn about sizes.

“You have to also love what you are doing. I discovered wonderful little clothing stores and bought a wonderful wardrobe in Spain when I was there studying. That’s when I decided to start a store. I realized then that I could see myself doing this all day.”

Is there anything else you would rather do?

“It’s great to think of being at the beach, but no — I’m pretty happy with being here.”