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Business & Tech

Charlie Charms South Hills Shoppers

Hot new retailer promotes fashion and fun nearby at The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon.

Savvy back-to-school shoppers were out in force to scoop up great deals on accessories at Charming Charlie, located in The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon.

The trendy boutique chain has been winning both awards and admirers, with its Pittsburgh store thriving since its grand opening at the end of June.

“We’re doing amazingly well,” said Lydia Paredes, senior assistant manager. “Galleria needed a store like ours to bring age groups together. Charming Charlie offers a fun environment, and we give you what you want. Not what we think you need.”

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With the motto, “Every woman, every age, everywhere,” the Houston-based retailer offers a unique concept for shoppers, merchandizing by color rather than by category or item. Looking for a sassy scarf to update last season’s jacket? You might want to visit the front of the large store, which boasts a variety of accessories in fuchsia and black with a little zebra print mixed in for fun. In fact, you’ll find all things fuchsia there, from handbags and opera wallets to scarves, jewelry and some apparel and shoes.

Charming Charlie is the creation of commercial real estate professional Charlie Chanaratsopon. The CEO and founder received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2010. And Charming Charlie was voted Hot Retailer of the Year by the International Council of Shopping Centers, which recognizes innovative concepts in the retail industry.

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Using his personal line of credit, Chanaratsopon started with one Houston store in 2004 and has grown to more than 100 stores nationwide—the Galleria location is number 128.

Each Charming Charlie boutique is furnished with crystal chandeliers and wrought-iron display fixtures, giving it a distinct, high-end ambience. However, the merchandise is both fashionable and affordable, with a basic price range of $4.99 to $49.99. There’s something for every taste and budget, with specific areas devoted to special occasion, icon and Charlie girl, for younger shoppers and “tweens.”

Barb Riley, of Scott Township, learned of the new accessories hotspot from a coworker and enthusiastically filled her basket on her first visit.

“This is the most ridiculously fun store ever,” she said, offering a word of advice for other shoppers. “The prices here are so reasonable. But there’s so much! It can be dangerous to your wallet, so it’s probably best to take your time and see the whole store before visiting the register.”

Randi Krohmaly, of Plum, drove to The Galleria for her second visit to Charming Charlie.

“I wanted my family to see it,” she said, adding that two of her three family members were visiting Pittsburgh for the first time in more than 20 years. They had traveled from Velky Saris, a small town in Eastern Slovakia. The ladies enjoyed their shopping experience and visited each colorful display in the large store, aided by various sales associates, known as "Charmers."

There’s plenty of sales help at Charming Charlie, should you desire it, as the store is well-staffed. A greeter welcomes shoppers at the front door and offers insight and direction.

Prefer to tour the store on your own? No problem. Charming Charlie is all about providing personalized client service and stresses the element of fun.

There are also private socials, which are booked by appointment. And even their website—charmingcharlie.com—is fun and interactive, offering challenging color quizzes (Hint: Ochre is a spicy-brown mustard shade), fashion collages and guest bloggers.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Monday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.  

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