I have been following Trendy Chicks boutique in Longview, TX on Instagram for a while now. Their account caught my attention because while the clothes are definitely on trend they don’t look cheaply made or like they would go out of style in a few months. After our Farmer’s Market shopping trip got rained out we headed over to Trendy Chicks to kill some time before lunch. We received a warm welcome from the store’s owner, Jerri Moore when we walked in. The first thing I noticed was how organized the store was laid out. Clothing was grouped together nicely without being crowded. The store is much bigger inside than what it appears from the outside. Jerri has an inviting selection of shoes, jewelry and seasonal accessories like tote bags and small gift items.
After browsing for a bit and picking out a bracelet I couldn’t live without I chatted with Jerri while my girlfriend from Austin tried on some fun summer clothes. Originally from the Houston area she has lived in Longview for the past 6 years. She had previously worked at the store part time and when the owners decided it was time to sell they reached out to Jerri. With her background in PR and degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University combined with her love for fashion the opportunity was too good to pass up. She bought the store 3 years ago and hasn’t looked back.
Based on the challenges facing small retail stores today, Jerri knows the value in creating a comfortable and customized shopping experience that simply can’t be recreated by shopping online. While it certainly keeps her busy juggling all the behind the scenes obligations of running a business, that hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm for making sure her customers are happy. In fact, when I asked her to give me some examples Jerri told me it is not uncommon for her to stay late until her customer finds the right thing. She prides herself on not pressuring people into buying things just to make the sale. She has regulars that come in simply to browse in a cool place and decompress on their lunch hour. She frequently texts her clients pictures of things she thinks they will like and even ships out of state to a client she has never met in person.
When I asked her about staying up with current trends she explained that Instagram is helpful so she can follow other retail stores all over the country. She also visits Dallas Market 5 times a year to keep her inventory fresh and current. With only 2 employees, Jerri does more than her share to maintain the store but something tells me it’s a labor of love. Good thing she has plenty of energy because she is currently raising an 8 month old labradoodle named Charlie. He hangs out behind a baby gate in the stock room and has kisses readily available.
In addition to the fashion inspiration Jerri gets online and from the Market in Dallas she has a 24 year old daughter. Having a store where both mother and daughter can shop comfortably together is a total win. While she offers a variety of styles she has fun showing how the same item can work on different people regardless of age or body type with a few simple tweaks like adding an additional layer or accessory.
One of the things that stood out to me were the lines of clothing and accessories made right here in Texas. I love that Jerri is a small local business owner supporting other small local business owners. She also gives back to the community by participating in local fundraisers like Neal McCoy’s Angel Network whose mission is to enhance the lives of families in East Texas whose child may be suffering from a serious or life threatening disease.
We wish Jerri and Trendy Chicks continued success. Stop by and browse next time you are in the area, we can promise you won’t feel any pressure, just a warm welcome. In the meantime follow them on IG @trendychicks to see all their new inventory.
Trendy Chicks
100 Tall Pines Ave. Ste 1
Longview, Texas 75605
903-230-0300
Hours Mon.-Sat. 10-5:30 p.m.
