Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephani Clymer.
Hi Stephani, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Shop Common Thread has enjoyed quite the journey.
Founded in 2006, we were called Xpecting, and as you may have imagined, we were a maternity boutique. In 2016 we rebranded because we had evolved so much, and we were definitely serving women of all ages and walks of life.
We started on 17th Street in the same spot as we are in today, however we were half the size. In January 2020, we had the opportunity to take over the space next door and remodel to double our square footage. This was the time we fully became who we are today. A one-stop shop for busy women looking to save on time, enjoy an awesome deal, and just feel amazing when they shop.
In December 2023, we opened in Fashion Island, and this summer, 2024, we will expand to The River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We have had ups, downs, challenges, wins, and many twists and turns. Short answer: no, the road is not smooth.
We opened in 2006 before the 2008 financial crisis – but we made it through! We rebranded after a decade in business and doubled our square footage two months before the pandemic shut us down. We also signed a lease to open a brand-new space in South Orange County, and that construction has been delayed for a full year!
All of this is to say that owning a business means embracing change and continuing forward even when things get tough. We stand true to who we are – a space where women can visit to feel great about what they are buying, find joy in connections, and save time by shopping a curated selection with women who love to help.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
We started in 2006 and have used our 18 years in business to listen to our customers. We have 2,700 square foot stores, allowing us to be a bit larger than most boutiques and therefore offer head-to-toe looks, giftable items, and even something for the kids!
We offer the best loyalty program in retail, where our clients spend $50 annually to enjoy 15% off of every single purchase plus 25% off twice each month. We do this so that shoppers know they are always enjoying the absolute best deal, and they know that we value them and their choice to spend their money with us.
We are known for the way we get to know our customers, they way they are greeted by name. Our genuine feeling is that we get to shop with friends all day long. We make connections and create long-term relationships with our clients. Overall, the energy is just so different when you walk into Shop Common Thread because you will always find women who care!
What makes you happy?
Growing, learning, and leading.
I love a great book or podcast that teaches me something new and wonderful. I love to take what I learn and apply that to business and life. I am happiest surrounded by great people, especially the women who work with me at Shop Common Thread. It is important to me that they know their value and also have the opportunity to grow in who they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopcommonthread.com
- Instagram: shopcommonthreadoc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephani-clymer-10a77b2/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyw-Uz9wUWGcwStHzog11aw
