Patch Q&A: The Susanne Behind Susanne N.

Susanne n. is a clothing store that sells sophisticated and styish fashions in Upper Montclair. Patch recently talked with owner Susanne Neckermann. If you know of any business owners who would like to do a Q&A, please email Shelley@patch.com.

1) How long have you had the store.. and what do you like about being in Upper Montclair?

I owned the store for 2 1/2 years after buying it from the previous owner whose family had been in Montclair for 50 years. I had been coming to the store for almost 20 years to do trunkshows twice a year and the owner had asked me to buy the store every time. When my kids grew up and the older one was going off to college I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately after one year we had a fire which destroyed all the merchandise and part of the store. We had to regroup. So it seemed best to move the store to our current location at 193 Bellevue, which is much brighter, prettier and highlights the clothes much better. At the same time, we renamed it susanne n. What I love about Montclair ... everything, the friendly people, the neighborhood feel, the shops, the restaurants, and the houses that all have a sun porch.

2) What are a few of your favorite stores (besides your own) and restaurants in Montclair?

Since I still live in Pelham and commute every day, I do not get around as much as I would love but the Banyan Tree with its beautiful accessories, Frederic Goodman jewelers, (I love the flowers outside), the Sweet Home Montclair shop and its bark and chocolate covered pretzels—which I have on a daily basis— ... the clothes are just too cute) ... and don't forget Carol's MacKenzie-Childs ... I could be addicted.

3) What makes your clothing stock different from that at other nearby shops?

We carry a bigger array of designer clothing both from the US and Europe including career-wear and we do a lot of trunkshows to highlight the particular collections we carry. Since I have arrived we have widened our assortment and are more on trend without being too trendy. Our clothes are modern and special. We give great personal attention to our customers and have a seamstress that alters everything to perfection.

4) What do you and the store have planned for the summer? Will you be taking a vacation? 

We are just starting to be on sale ranging from 30 - 75 % off on selected merchandise and will focus on that for the next few weeks and then we close at the end of July (July 29 to August 16) for summer holiday and to restart the new fall season fresh after that ... we try to keep with the European tradition of summer holiday!!

5) What trends are you seeing right now in clothing?

We are seeing a lot more diversity ... our customers have different lives from one another and we handpick from the designers and collections to recognize that .. we love all the new knits and sweaters and have added Bluemarine form Italy and will launch Cecilia Prado from Brazil for fall.

The store is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment.