board and my Crayola crayons. I’d often mix the colors together to get the perfect shade; then my mom and I would shop for tights, shoes, etc. from the swatches. I , , and read . Fashion makes me happy! With eBay, Etsy, and other online markets for buying and reselling clothing, why did you decide to open a brickand-mortar store? Online shopping is great! We offer an online shopping component with our Facebook live, but it is different from eBay, Amazon, and the like. We provide a high level of customer service, even when we are working with our clients online. People can buy clothing and accessories anywhere. Shopping at Margaux & Max is not about buying stuff; we offer our clientele a full-service shopping experience. I work with clients oneon-one to help them find the perfect pieces to fit their body types, skin tones as well as their budgets. People keep saying, “Retail is dead!” Retail isn’t dead. Bad retail is dead!
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No matter, owner Je Donna Dinges of the resale boutique Margaux & Max “has you covered.” Her shop offers a variety of “previously-loved fine women’s contemporary and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories” at prices only a fraction of their original cost. The shop carries classic, casual, and formal wear available in sizes that range from 00-24W. Top brands include J Crew, Ann Taylor, BCBG, Banana Republic, Talbots, and many others. An equally impressive find is Dinges herself. When customers talk with her, they may get a chance to hear her story full of several challenges. Her courage and business savvy have seen her through tough times. These traits exemplify her status as a leader, mentor, and activist in the community.
HEN CUSTOMERS ENTER A CLOTHING STORE, they can be full of expectations. They want gloves that complement a coat, or shirt or blouse that matches a pair of pants. Or their mission is bigger, to come across an array of suitable patterns and styles for a wardrobe calling out for new selections.
How did you get interested in fashion? I have a background in retail, about 30 years of it to be exact. Most of my retail experience has been in management. I have always loved fashion. As a kid, I would make color swatches using pieces of card-
Margaux & Max
How long has Margaux & Max been in business? How did you come up with the name? How did you find the location for it in downtown Ferndale? Margaux & Max has been in business for seven years. I started it at my dining room table with one pair of earrings and a Facebook page. The name comes from two beloved pets. Margo was a German shepherd / husky mix that my parents had when I was growing up. I liked the French spelling better, so I used that. Max
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GREAT Finds At Good Prices 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION
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