Ten years ago, Libby Cockerham began
living her dream and opened the doors to her fashion boutique in the heart of
Jefferson.
Bringing with her practically a lifetime of retail experience accumulated in
the shadows of her late father from Jon Marc’s Department Store- Libby followed
her heart and took appropriate steps to keep the memories alive.
Opening Libby’s was a
good move for the 3,000 plus customer-base that Libby and her dedicated staff
have accrued through the years.
As Libby’s prepares to
mark this major milestone with sales and surprises beyond Mach, customers will
continue to enjoy the same friendly service upon which they have come to
depend.
For the last decade,
Libby’s has been providing women of the High County and beyond with “the look,”
as its logo implies, that brings out their best.
Not only does the shop
carry top fashion lines, but it also offers one on one consultations to match
each woman with the style that best suits her body type and shape.
“We cater to real
women,” Libby says, “not the ones you generally see on the cover of a fashion
magazine.”
Never knew you were a
triangle? Ever wondered why your favorite skirt looks better on your sister
than it does on you? Libby and her staff are experts at helping women of all
ages, sizes and preferences unravel the mysteries of fashion flaws and find
“the look” that works for the individual.
It’s no accident that
Libby’s birthday celebration coincides with the unveiling of its own new
“look,” following a dramatic face-lift.
Replacing the original
soft pastel walls with bold shades of lemon and lime, combined with new
carpeting and stair step accessory shelving, and new external awning and sign,
Libby’s is “all about women” now, more than ever.
Realizing that every
woman deserves to look and feel her best, Libby’s owner provides unique
clothing, distinct jewelry, shoes and other accessories to make it happen.
Regular trips to
fashion markets in New York, Las Vegas and Atlanta keep Libby and her staff on
target with the latest trends, from which they pick and choose items they know
will work. “We know our clients and what they like,” she says.
Continuing with
several clothing lines that have stood the test of time and never disappoint-
Rafael, Brighton, Simon, Chang, Splendor, a ‘la carte, Sympli, Treska,
Foxcroft, Spanx and Ming Wang, just to name a few Libby’s new spring fashions
with their electrifying colors, prints and styles, blend well with the store’s
new ambiance. “Our customers are loving the new look of it all,” Libby says
Libby and her staff
take seriously the needs and wishes of their clientele by not only staying “in
touch” with fashion trends, but also by hosting fashion shows, seminars and
providing additional services like in home closet cleaning and wardrobe make
overs.
“We try to go the
extra mile to make sure that or customers make the best of not only what’s
available, but also to utilize what they already have,” Libby says. “We would
be doing them an injustice if we did not go to the markets and bring back
items, as well as fashion tips and ideas that complement their lifestyles.”
In addition to the one
on one consultation Libby and her staff offer, she also publishes a quarterly
newsletter for more than 3,000 customers, that always includes the latest
fashion news, as well as information about store promotions, special events,
family fun and community service opportunities.
The importance of
doing for others is evident during conversation with Libby whether faith
focused efforts or through supporting such organizations as Hospice of Ashe.
As an expression of
her appreciation for the care that Hospice gave to her father and their family
during his illness and death, Libby established the annual “Libby Card.”
The Cards, limited to 50
each year, sell for $10, which is donated directly to Hospice; the benefits to
the cardholder are numerous, including monthly discounts and other offers
throughout the year. (For example, once a month, a Libby’s Card member receives
a 20 percent discount on one regularly priced item and 0 percent on other
purchase.) Some exclusion apply, but the benefits clearly exceed the price,
Libby’s expertise and
reputation in the fashion world led her to be chosen to participate, last
October, in a photo shoot at Ming Wang headquarters in Dallas, Texas, an
experience that she will never forget, she says.
Making every woman’s
shopping experience one to remember, Libby and her staff are ready to turn your
world upside down with your new look for the upcoming spring and summer season.
“I couldn’t do what I
do without my wonderful staff,” Libby says. “They are like family to me. Nancy
has been with me for a long time. She attends the markets with me and handles
receiving/reordering of merchandise and our data entry
Jean Williams has been
with me since we opened in 2002; she does alterations and loves to help or
customers find their ‘look’ Imogene Goodman has been here part time since we
opened and loves to play in the jewelry/accessories. Christina Vogl has worked
part time, also, since 2009.”
Beyond the boutique,
Libby focuses her efforts on her family, which includes husband, Alan, their
three children and three grandchildren. Weather permitting, she loves escaping
to the golf course, another trait inherited from her late father.
