Melanie’s in Ladue is the Place for all Your Jewelry and Accessory Needs

This week, we head to Ladue as part of our weekly series on profiling haunts in the Central Corridor. 

Melanie’s in Ladue is famous for their jewelry, accessories, great prices and friendly staff.  They have a great variety of items including:  jewelry, personalized note cards, monogrammed totes and bags, custom belts, reading glasses, and even holiday items.  Owner Melanie Bascom values each customer who walks through her door, which is one of the reasons why her store has been successful for over twenty-six years.

How did your business get started?

Melanie:  Prior to opening Melanie’s I was a teacher at Martha Rounds for ten years.  I wanted to do something that would work for my family, and I have a degree in history from Duke, unfortunately no one was hiring history teachers.  I walked into a flower shop that someone asked me to visit and I knew that having a shop was what I wanted to do.  I spent the next five years including taking a retail program at Meramec, and then found jobs in retail to prepare me for opening my own business.  I opened Melanie’s in 1985.

How would you describe your business to potential customers?

We initially started with jewelry, but we have expanded into accessories.  We now specialize in personalized gifts and accessories. 

What do you offer that is different or unique from other stores?

In this day in age, the internet makes everything accessible and we have to set ourselves apart.  I feel that our prices are reasonable, we offer excellent customer service, and we are honest with our customers if we have made a mistake, we fix it.  Our customers have kept us going for over 26 years, and they are a priority.

What do you like the most about running a small business?  What do you like least?

I would have to say the variety of things you are able to do.  I love being able to find ways to make things work as the times change.  At times it may be overwhelming, but the quality of the people that work here make it all run so efficiently.  The endless paperwork is my least favorite thing about running a business.

How has the economy impacted your business?

Absolutely.  All that you can do is adapt to changing circumstances.  You cannot hang on to the past, must keep going and find new ways to solve your problems.  You try and it may take several times.  Luckily our sales have stayed even throughout the economy changes and I hope that it improves for everyone.

Who is your target market?

Anyone who walks in the door is our target market.  You cannot judge a customer by what they wear, how they look, and I strive to cater to all people regardless of their financial situation.  My staff is very warm and welcoming to everyone.  I would not want anyone turned away due to a snooty sales person.  My customers have kept us in business for over twenty-six years, and are highly valued.

What are your most popular services?

Jewelry will always be number one.  For the past seven years around Christmas our scarves have been our primary top sales item.  I also believe in catering to all sizes for my items whether shirts or robes. 

WHAT:  Melanie’s

WHERE:  10277 Clayton Road

                   St. Louis, Missouri.  63124

STORE HOURS:  M-F:  9:30am-6pm

                          Saturday:  9:30am-5:30pm

                          Sunday:  12pm-4pm

MORE INFO:  (314) 993-0664

                http:// www.melanies-stlouis.com/