Conversation Pieces Speaks to the Indie Shopper
Since its inception, online boutique Conversation Pieces (www.shopconversationpieces.com) has harnessed a DIY spirit to showcase budding design talent.
“I noticed a gap in the market for forward-thinking labels from young designers,” said owner and founder Audrey Ng. “Women love shopping for unique items. Under-the-radar labels are a fun way to find limited-quantity designs at a good price and fit. We support these designers by giving them a venue to reach out to a greater audience.”
Ng, who has a background in marketing and public relations as well as a background in e-commerce, launched the site eight years ago right from her bedroom in Los Angeles.
What began as an indie marketplace has steadily grown to garner an international following of loyal customers throughout the United Kingdom, Canada and Asia.
“Our strategic focus has always been word of mouth,” Ng said. “Our customers know that they are our top-most priority.”
The price points remain competitive, with most pieces retailing for under $100, including a good dose of vintage items.
Best-selling brands include Peppermint, Audrey 3+1, Lush and MyStory.
The site has been a launching pad for many students from design schools around the world, including the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles.
Ng continues to seek up-and-coming design and said Conversation Pieces can be an incubator for young designers to gain confidence to branch out on their own fashion ventures.
Earlier this year, Ng began actively utilizing social-media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter as well as reaching out to social-shopping sites such as Chictopia and Hello Cotton. As a result, Conversation Pieces saw a spike in web visitor traffic of 28 percent to 35 percent, according to Ng.
For the summer, Conversation Pieces is releasing its second lookbook of whimsical, easy styling to generate further buzz.—Connie Cho
