By Ben Rodgers
Editor
SUAMICO – Hot off the heels of successfully bringing comfortable and casual clothing to women in the area, Christine Herman has expanded her offerings.
Herman, owner of Willow Clothing Co. in Vickery Village, launched Willow Bud for girls in September.
Willow Bud, in Urban Edge Towne Centre, offers the same style of clothes at the same price point as her other location, just geared toward girls.
“We had a lot of people, a lot of moms come in with their daughters loving the clothes and saying ‘We wish you had kid-sized clothes for our kiddo,’ because in Suamico there’s not a lot to choose from,” Herman said.
The boutique-style clothes in a pressure-free environment, at a reasonable price at Willow Bud, are starting to turn some heads, just like her first store, Willow Clothing Co.
“Word is starting to spread,” Herman said. “We’re getting more and more people here. It’s just like starting a new business. It takes a little time.”
With Christmas around the corner, Herman said she is excited to offer a style of clothes to daughters that has been well received by their mothers.
“Just like Willow, cute, comfortable, casual clothes,” she said. “We have Christmas dresses, but we’re not going to have any glitter or unicorns, or anything like that. We want to keep it similar and consistent and have affordable prices.”
Herman said she understands price is important when shopping for children, because she has two boys.
“Kids grow out of stuff,” she said. “You’re not going to want to pay $70 for a shirt they’ll grow out of.”
If her first store in Vickery Village hadn’t gone over so well, Herman said she likely wouldn’t be in Urban Edge today with a new clothing line for girls size 5 to junior XL.
Herman fills the inventory with clothing from small boutique wholesalers to find unique choices as well as items made by people in the Green Bay area.
The inventory also changes often, so there’s always something new in stock.
“It’s amazing how far we’ve reached and how many people know about us and know about Willow and Willow Bud, too,” she said.
Herman still has the same long-term goal she had when she started her first store: to create a clothing line for families made by special-needs individuals.
Her 12-year-old son Brady was diagnosed with autism, and she wants to help that community as much as she can.
Herman recently hired her first special needs employee at Willow Clothing Co. She is also looking at a men’s line of clothes.
Herman credits her success up to this point to her family.
“No. 1, have a support system. I have an amazing support system in my husband, Kevin, who is behind me all the way,” she said. “No. 2, you have to have the passion and excitement.”
Just in time for Christmas, Willow Bud and Willow Clothing Co. will have a 25 percent off sale this weekend only.
For more information about either store, find them on Facebook or Instagram and stay connected to learn about new inventory and special offers.