What’s in Store: Covet
December 6th, 2007, 5:37 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Sam Mittelsteadt
Covet
4234 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Information: (480) 949-3000 or shopcovet.com (store) or covetnow.com (blog)
“I didn’t want to be another ‘T-shirt and jeans’ kind of store,” says Randy Krebs, who opened his men’s and women’s boutique, Covet, in March. Inspired by shops usually found in more metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco, Krebs zigged where most retailers zagged, eschewing trendy brands favored by Scottsdale nightlife clones in favor of a mix of emerging designers like Loden Dagger and Endovanera, and what he calls “great heritage” footwear brands such as Nike and Puma. Small runs and quantities are displayed in a spartan, austere, all-white interior that’s more gallery than clothing store. So it’s no surprise the artwork on the walls is also for sale — and, like the stock, switches out regularly.
Top-seller (top): The Alexander McQueen designs for Puma have been “a complete sell-through,” Krebs says, even with the $200-and-up price tags. “They’ve got a luxury fabrication, they use Italian leather … and then there’s the cool factor. I sell them to hipster kids, and to guys who are 45 years old and architects, who are design-centric.”
The core customer: “Is confident, has his own unique point of view, and is more evolved,” says Krebs, who says the same characteristics apply to his female customers. “He’s tried some of the trends, but knows who he is and what he wants.” He or she might not know who Helmut Lang is, but would appreciate the Austrian designer’s effortless-edgy aesthetic.
On the mannequin (left): “Camelia” mustard wool capelet with cheetah print piping and lace-detail collar, $130, and “Mable” empire-waist vintage print silk dress with brown satin trim, $320, both by Smoke & Mirrors. Biker booties by Alexander McQueen for Puma, $220. Quilted bag by Nike Lux, $25. Fourteen-karat go
ld skull necklace by Bing Bang, $230. Bird necklace by Birds Nest by Tasha Bundy, $80.
High price point (above right): Covet is one of only nine stores in the United States that stocks DryKorn, a German premium sportswear label. Denim runs $225 to $325, while a lean shrunken-leather jacket is $815.
Low price point (middle right): Right around Father’s Day, Krebs began carrying men’s grooming products by Baxter of California, a line that launch
ed in Beverly Hills in the mid-1960s but recently revamped and expanded its inventory to include everything from mojito-flavored lip salve ($8) to Italian lime-scented body wash ($12.50). “Men like it because there’s not a lot of heavy scents,” he says.
He’s excited about (bottom right): 
Australian denim and fashion Ksubi has sold so well — and quickly — Krebs plans to order even more for spring, especially the women’s tops and dresses. (Women’s red Super Skinny Zip Hacienda stretch jeans, $215, and men’s Dee Dee slim five-pocket jeans, $250.)
In-store event: Covet will host a party 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, to debut new artwork by Phoenix artist Jason Hill. Food and beverages will be available, and William Reed will perform DJ duties. Ten percent of the night’s sales will benefit Phoenix Youth at Risk.
