Owners Karen Marley and Monique Aquino of Buttons & Bows.
RETAILER
Buttons & Bows Relocates
With DTLA's recent business developments, streets are being filled with retail stores, restaurants and bars. New city projects are underway and the face of the downtown community is drastically changing.
Owners Karen Marley and Monique Aquino of Buttons & Bows LA caught onto the growing trend and opened their doors to a consignment store in spring, 2012 on Main and 7th. With an already strong online resale presence, the two felt it was time to transition to brick and mortar. “Our reason was simple. We wanted a space where people can come and physically touch the clothes and meet us, as well and build that relationship with our customers,” Marley said.
Roughly just 14 months since its opening, Marley and Aquino decided to relocate to a destination where commercial activity is thriving - a pocket on 6th and Spring. The B&B gals have welcomed the airy, new 700 square-foot space with excitement. The high vaulted ceilings and open windows provide sunlight and more room to showcase the merchandise.
“We gained so much support from our customers, we ended up being able to move to a better location with more foot traffic,” Aquino said. She added, “Our first space was a great start for us – it was off the beaten path, nice and small so it was a great testing ground to work out our kinks and our mistakes.”
It is a better environment for the business owners, where the “little shopping destination” gives a wink and a nod to its neighbors Sustain Juicery, Haus of Love and the Sixhundred store.
The vintage and contemporary apparel and accessories store carries many designers, ranging from Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang to Dior and Gucci. “We are unique because most consignment stores cater to the red carpet, like museum pieces but we carry ready-to-wear and more of what you would find at [specialty stores] like Barneys, Satine and Opening Ceremony.
In addition to running a successful boutique, the owners spearheaded Shop Walk – a play off Art Walk but for retailers and shoppers. They partnered with Historic District Merchants Association (HDMA) to throw quarterly events where local stores offer universal discounts and throw some sort of in-store event to encourage cross promotion. “It is a really great community event we hope to have every season,” Aquino said.
