What’s in Store: Vibe
October 19th, 2007, 4:37 pm · 3 Comments · posted by Sam Mittelsteadt
Vibe the Boutique
The Shops at Copper Basin
2510 E. Hunt Highway, Suite 9, Queen Creek
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Information: (480) 358-4350 or vibetheboutique.com
For half a decade Vibe the Boutique has shipped some of fashion’s trendiest (and spendiest) brands to Internet customers across the country, but owners Henry and Geri Compeau didn’t open their bricks-and-mortar store in Pinal 
County until about a year ago. (Geri Compeau estimates 90 percent of their sales still come from online customers.) A second location is scheduled to open at SanTan Village in Gilbert early next month.
On the mannequin (right): Purple and white silk top by Hope & Glory, $150. High-waisted denim jeans by Seven for All 
Mankind, $209.
Top seller (right): Denim, especially tried-and-true designer brands like Seven for All Mankind, True Religion and Hudson. Customers are “more willing to spend $200 on a known brand,” Compeau says. The $125 men’s designer Wranglers, however, have been a harder sell: “Guys walk in and say, ‘I can go down to Wal-Mart and get those for $15,’ ” she says with a laugh. “They don’t care if Marc Jacobs 
designed them or not.”
High price point (right): Kooba bag, $575.
The (in-person) core customer: “Soccer moms who want to be trendy,” Compeau says. “We do well with brands like Ella Moss, which they can wear while running 
around with kids.” Despite the drive, many customers up north who began shopping online now make the trek to the store in person: Two cruise-bound women from Scottsdale — 75 round-trip miles, minimum — “came in this week and spent $3,500,” Compeau says. The Pinal County clientele includes one surprise demographic: Retirees 60 and older who are drawn to classic-looking lines like Susana Monaco.
Low price point: Novelty tees by Doe, Junk Food and Mighty Fine usually range between $30 and $40, but some are on sale for as little as $15.
She’s excited about (left): Dresses will remain popular this fall and “really be ‘it’ for spring,” Compeau says. (Knit sweater dress by Norma Kamali, $235.) She’s also a fan of the upcoming trend of lightweight trousers with a low rise and flared leg. “It’s a classy look,” she says.
Local lines: None.
October 19th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
What I like is that you are going to all areas of Phoenix to cover the boutiques. It’s refreshing to see new stores, unknown stores, and out-of-the-way stores get coverage. Great job!!!
October 19th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Well, not *all* areas of Phoenix — everything I’ve covered hangs its shingle in the East Valley or Scottsdale! Its intent is to let Tribune readers know how many stores are right in their own backyard, no matter whether it’s in Gilbert or Ahwatukee or Scottsdale.
October 22nd, 2007 at 10:43 am
Trust me…some people consider Queen Creek out of the way–Lord knows my Phoenix/Scottsdale colleagues let me know what they think of Gilbert/Queen Creek. Thanks again!