Margot's in the news
The Olde Towne Gazette...
Local Dance Store Receives Global Recognition
Margot’s Closet Provides Modern Convenience in Historic Setting
By Charles Park and Donna Culpepper March 2006
Chosen by Capezio, a world leader in fine dancewear and accessories, as their first “Retailer Spotlight” out of thousands of dance supply shops worldwide, Margot’s Closet in downtown Woodstock almost never was.
By the time Donna Culpepper found the little house at 8926 Main Street, she had almost let go of the idea of opening a dance store in Woodstock.
“After two years of hearing ‘our area could not support another store’ even though it meant driving nearly 45 minutes for a pair of tights, we were finally able to convince Capezio to give us a chance. Much of that is due to our wonderful representative Kristen for having the foresight to believe in our dream and going up to bat for us, “says Donna.
“The historical charm of the building we found was perfect!” Built in 1942, the house served first as the home of Claude E. Chandler, who lived there until he was 101. Claude was always amazed by the increase in traffic in Woodstock. He prided himself on his garden, especially his tomatoes. Today Claude’s widow “Maude” Dobbs owns the home. Donna has a keen interest in historic preservation and is thrilled to showcase her wares in such a charismatic piece of local history.
“Having had our fill of strip malls, we wanted to create a unique, magical place where kids and mothers could find everything they needed,” says Donna. With today’s hustle and bustle on parents’ plates in mind, Margot’s Closet has built their inventory to include every little detail you could possibly need for dance and theatre.
“The area competition had been in business for years, so we knew we had to do something special to make an impact.” Donna’s background in the beauty and retail industry paved the way to create an enchanting shop. They even offer free bun making and stage makeup classes on Thursday evenings.
You know that the store is special as soon as you see the pink front door.
Soft pinks with black fixtures greet visitors, and antique cabinets display a bounty of dancewear and beautiful boutique items. A magnificent gold chandelier casts its soft glow upon the front room. An antique market cart, found in the backyard covered in mold and now magnificently revived, displays all kinds of dance related gifts as shoppers enter the lush shoe room.
“We have many clients who come in just to find a special gift for their friends or dance instructors. Our gift-wrapping service is free; pink bag, polka dot tissue and, of course, a pink and black tulle bow!”
Donna feels the considerable time, thought and hard work that has so obviously gone into Margot’s Closet was but a small investment when compared to the level of service and opulence the store brings the customer.
“Our job isn’t just to supply dance clothing and shoes. We carefully select our merchandise so that we will know that the products will hold up after repeated washings. It is our job to find the best products at the fairest possible price. Capezio’s ABT line flies off our shelves! The fabrics speak for themselves and, while it costs a couple dollars more, the customers love the quality,” Donna says.
Margot’s also offers monogramming. It is rare that a dance bag leaves the store without a nickname done in some vibrant color.
The center room, or entrance hall, is a showcase for stationary with a great variety on dance cards of all types. “During the holidays, this area also houses our huge selection of Christmas ornaments. We carry the largest selection of dance ornaments in North Georgia and quite possibly in the state.”
“November marked our one-year anniversary. We could not have hoped for so much business in our first year! It only confirms the great need we had in our area for a dance store. What we have learned is to stay well stocked on your basics. Also, it’s a great idea to keep a file of all the local studios behind the front desk to assist parents when they forget their supply list. Customers really appreciate that kind of service. We carry everything right down to false eyelashes and body glue.
“Someone once said to me that you could not open a store with only Capezio to start. My response? You can do whatever your instinct tells you. While we now carry over 75 carefully selected vendor lines, we are grateful to Capezio for giving us the opportunity to pursue our dream, and we are delighted to have been recognized with their first ever Retailer Spotlight!”
“The only problem now,” adds Donna, “is to keep up with the demand!”
