Women's summer fashions, scarves, costume jewelry and recycled handbags fill Sofia Mia, the new clothing boutique at Center One Eleven Shopping Plaza, 380 Monroe Turnpike. Marcella Siano of Trumbull opened her new store last Thursday.
"We target women and juniors and we're always looking to expand our products," Siano said Wednesday afternoon. "If a customer asks for something in particular, we'll bring it in. One asked for petites, so I will be bringing in a line of petites."
Among the brand names Sofia Mia has in stock are Lilly Pulitzer, Green Apple Eco Vintage Activewear (clothing made out of organic bamboo and cotton and protects against UVA and UVB rays), Romeo & Juliette Couture and Walter Baker.
Siano said she has dresses for special occasions — which is something she will especially offer during the holidays, casual wear for missy and juniors and corporate attire.
"We're trying to do a lot of green items to save the environment with recycled and recyclable shopping bags," Siano said.
Among her green products, Siano has handbags made with non-leather and recycled leather.
A lounge area with a couch and a TV in a corner of the store allows family members to relax while another shops.
"Three times someone came in with a small child and we sat them down and put on Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel and they watched quietly while their mother shopped," Siano said.
Take a Spin to Win!
Marcella Siano always had an interest in clothes, while growing up in New Hampshire.
"I just love fashion," she said. "I used to make clothes for my Barbi dolls when I was little."
Siano went on to have 20 years of experience in retail, including five years as a store manager. Among the stores she had worked at were JC Penney, Zara and Aldo Shoes on Newberry Street in Boston.
"I took it all in, gathered it all up and made it into Sofia Mia," Siano said of opening her own business for the first time. "I named the store after my two daughters."
Siano and her husband Frank have three children, Sofia, 5, Mia, 3-and-a-half, and Enzo, 2.
Aside from keeping the hottest fashions in stock, customer service is a major part of being successful in the retail business, according to Siano.
"You'll go somewhere and no one will help you or they'll try to sell you the world when you just want to look," she said.
Siano tries to make shopping at Sofia Mia fun.
"I have a wheel here called 'Spin to Win'," she said. "After you spend $100, you spin the wheel and have a chance to win 25% off your next purchase, a free bracelet (up to a $15 value) and $10 off your next purchase of $50 or more."
Sofia Mia will also offer an awards program and customers will be able to design their own pair of shoes, which will produced for them by a business contact of Siano's.
"I'm trying not to be the same old boutique store," she said. "I want everyone to be able to come in and find something they like, and leave happy with their purchase."
Sofia Mia is open Tuesday to Sunday, but the hours are not solidified yet. For more information on the new boutique, visit the store's website, ShopSofiaMia.com.
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