Frugalista Offers Fashion at Fair Prices

We all have to eat, so there's a certain irony in a grocery store struggling to stay afloat during a rough economy while a small boutique that sells Michael Kors dresses and Coach handbags succeeds, but that's exactly what's happening at  at 4905 95th St in Oak Lawn.

The shop's owner, Ayman, had long figured fashion would be more interesting than his previous vocation as a grocer. So when rising taxes coupled with dipping sales rendered his grocery store in Calumet City unfeasible, Ayman followed his dream and opened Frugalista in July 2011. It seems he made the right call.

Frugalista is packed with enough tops, jeans, shoes, lingerie and accessories to please many tastes, ages and styles. Frugalista has also recently increased its variety of plus sizes, too. Ayman says he'll be getting in a great selection of jewelry from Thailand within a few weeks, which, along with the Fossil wallets and terrific scarves, will make finding unique, interesting gifts in Oak Lawn even easier. 

What makes Frugalista special is Ayman's approach. He takes a cue from designer discount stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx, but on a micro level. The store's inventory is constantly changing and, like a Marshalls buyer, Ayman is able to purchase overstocked items, items returned to the maker from department stores, and the occasional factory-damaged item to put on his shelves. (Anything damaged will be clearly marked). A quick scan of the store uncovered Bandolino pumps, Calvin Klein belts, Wacoal bras, a super cute Michael Kors top (in my size), and Buffalo, Silver & Rocawear jeans (in many sizes). I was surprised to see kids' clothes, swimwear and bedsheets, too.  

Through this model, Frugalista is able to provide name brand, attractive items to customers at a huge discount. But unlike Marshalls, it doesn't take an hour to collect an armful of great finds. Ayman is selective; he describes his method as "strategic buying of luxury items."

The store is dangerous.

Ayman's got a natural knack for choosing clothes, although he admits he's learned quite a bit on the job. "The clothing business is tough," he says. "You have to find your own trend." He's learned some things the hard way: "Some things I think will sell well sometimes don't. Or they sit on the shelves for weeks and then suddenly, they're all gone." And although the store has shoes, shirts, and suits for men, Ayman plans to phase out menswear. Men just don't shop often enough to justify taking up space in the boutique, Ayman theorizes. 

Frugalista is also special because Ayman remembers his customers, trusts them, pays attention to their requests, and wants them to score good deals. "The prize for me is when someone leaves happy with something I chose for the shop," he says.  

With just one part-time employee (and occasional help from his wife), Ayman recognizes most of his customers, but if he doesn't, he makes a point to chat them up. He's got many regulars, and when new shipments come in (which is often), he is able to point customers toward new arrivals he knows they'd like. One of his regular customers recently had a special event and needed an outfit in a hurry but she couldn't pay. "I let her postdate the check by a week," he said.

Even if you're not a regular, Frugalista will take your personal check. The fourteen-day return policy ensures customers will have confidence in the merchandise. Ayman knows that very few boutiques allow returns or exchanges, but it's important to Ayman that Frugalista do so:

"I want my customers to feel comfortable, especially if they're taking a risk."