From
The Ashes:
Merchant Wins with Contemporary Clothes
by Elizabeth
Anderson
Clothing vendor and designer Chase Hayes
is living large as a business owner despite some serious
set backs. His dream to work for himself didn’t
die when the store he struggled to open, Mischievous
Cliché, burned to the ground in 1990. From the
ashes, Hayes recreated his vision, developing an online
store with his web site: womendesignerclothes.com.
The web site has been up and running for the past six
months and it’s gathering new customers every
day.
Hayes specializes in first-quality women’s
and juniors contemporary clothing, especially jeans
and denim. He offers deep discounts on the web site,
but at Kobey’s on Sundays, his prices are even
lower.
Hayes is bringing his business to Kobey’s Swap
Meet to build up his web customer base. Every customer
walks away with one of his business cards. Because
Kobey’s attracts visitors from all over the country,
as well as international travelers, Hayes is able to
offer his storefront continually to the world.
Starting
with LA Gear in 1988, Hayes has since added many recognized
brands to his inventory including LEI,
Tommy Girl, Bubblegum and Levi’s as well as upcoming
brands like Gazoz and Earl in sizes 0-14.
Prices on
the latest jeans are offered for $25 at Kobey’s
with select inventory reduced to $15 and $10. The same
jeans are normally $45 - $69.99 in department stores
and between $23.99 -$39.99 on his web site.
In addition,
Hayes offers Gazoz denim jackets for $25 (retail $89.99),
Forever 21 suede skirts for $15, LEI
jean skirts, $15 (web $23.99), Bubble Gum jean skirts,
$10 (web $19.99) and suede wrap belts, $10. Inventory
changes every other week.
Prepared to accommodate every request, Hayes will accept
special orders from customers and often offers them
at the swap meet discount. Hayes is able to offer lower
prices at Kobey’s because of his low overhead.
A retired Marine who has a degree in
psychology from Mesa College, Hayes later spent a few
years in the
fashion merchandising program where he learned to design
garments in leather and suede. Hayes enjoys dealing
in fashions.
He comments: “California women
never grow up. They stay young and feel young.”
Chase
Hayes invites his friends from Mesa College’s
fashion program to come out to the swap and check out
all the great deals offered by himself and fellow vendors.
Women’s Designer Clothes is found in space A18
Sunday only; womendesignerclothes.com is available
24/7 or call: (858) 527-1136.
(Article taken from Kobey's
Magazine, April, 2003.)
