Courtney Bryce
EDMOND — “The fusion of fashion and frugality” is the catch phrase of a new family owned fashion boutique.
David and Jamie Hammons and their daughter- and son-in-law, Chris and Julie Martin opened Zippdog March 13.
“It’s fun to work with not only people you enjoy being around but that also know fashion, Chris Martin said.
Even the name of the store was derived from a former family pet.
“My wife had a rat terrier when she was growing up named Zipper,” Chris Martin said.
The store is unique in that it sells high-end boutique brands at 50 percent to 70 percent off the retail price, David Hammons said. Most items range from $9 to $199.
The store has junior, misses, petite and plus-sized clothing. Chris Martin said they also offer handbags, accessories and home décor.
“We’ve been so excited with this first store opening,” Jamie Hammons said. “We’re looking forward to expanding the business.”
David Hammons said they hope to open other stores in the metro, Norman and Tulsa.
Another unique aspect of Zippdog is that all the clothing in the store is sorted into different areas by color.
“That’s very different in the market place,” he said. “It’s so fun.”
David Hammons said there was a need for a high-end fashion boutique with discount prices that wasn’t being met.
“When we began this, shopping was boring. We wanted to bring in a fun atmosphere. Shopping is a form of entertainment too,” David Hammons said.
He said they also wanted a store that customers could come into and feel like they were part of a family.
The family lives in Shawnee and drives 51 miles to the store every day. Chris Martin said he and Julie usually use the long drive for quality time and to brainstorm about marketing techniques for the store.
“As much as anything we love being here in Edmond,” Chris said. “It seems that everyone that has been here has been thrilled.”
Julie Martin said she has enjoyed having the store because it feels like Christmas every time she opens a box. She never knows what she’s going to find.
ZIPPDOG is at 30 E. 33rd Street. Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 330-2300.
