02/02/2020
It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing the closing of the Lakewood store. The shuttering of this brick and mortar shop is the first step in allowing me the capacity needed to create a new experience in fat commerce that is long overdue. No matter what- the website will remain open.
In my (almost) 2 years at the helm of Re/Dress I have gained a deeper understanding of the kind of retail experiences the fat community both need and deserve. It is clear to me now more than ever just how important strong leadership is in the plus size community’s push for more options and more visibility. We’ve been shouting and waving our arms for so long trying to get the attention of the garment industry only to have our voices continuously falling on fatphobic ears. What progress is being made is just too little too slowly.
I have scoured the internet searching for well designed clothing in a truly inclusive size range while also not abusing labor in the process of production and this has proven to be an unsustainable practice. For my own personal health and wellbeing I am refusing to put anymore energy into that search. I am accepting the garment industry’s limitations and accepting that since they won’t make it for me, I will have to make it myself.
Re/Dress has always been more than a boutique, and at this time in my life and this time in the fashion and garment industry it is time to explore that larger potential.
Come early Spring, the store will be moved to a new commercial space which will operate by appointment only.
The remaining time in Lakewood will be celebrated with sales!
From now until Feb 21st, everything that is currently full price will be 20% off (excluding already discounted items, selected consignment pieces, and Teggings) with code MOVING20. Feb 22 the discount will go to 30%, Feb 23 it will be 40%, and the final day Feb 23rd will have a special bag sale with details forthcoming. Additionally, Teggings will be 20% off on Feb 23 only.
The absence of the daily operation of the Lakewood shop also allows me to explore monthly pop ups, the planning of the first ever Re/Dress ReTreat, and the opportunity to generally curate a more meaningful experience in Cleveland while I am here.
I have come to recognize that in order to create this new line, a move will be eventually necessary. Once the store is packed up and squared away in its new commercial space, I will begin the task of relocating myself to Southern California to better access the resources needed to bring this idea into reality at which point Re/Dress’ time in Cleveland will come to an end. At least for now.
No part of this decision has been made lightly, but out of necessity to both my current health challenges and at the interest of an expanding vision for Re/Dress. I have truly loved living out my plus size boutique babe experience in a space that Rachel K so lovingly nurtured, designed, and then trusted me with. Among other things Re/Dress has provided a uniquely immersive education of this business, and running a small business in general. In the course of that education I’ve had the opportunity to connect with my community in such profound ways and I am changed for the better as a result. I am endlessy grateful and committed to continuing the evolution inherent to the spirit of Re/Dress. Thank you to everyone who has supported over the years and I look forward to continuing to grow with you.
Additional special thanks and my eternal gratitude to Rachel Wiley for helping to organize and write down these thoughts on my behalf.
