Freedom Gained

Inspiring: Conceptblue not only offers fashion, but also interior design items and accessories.

Conceptblue/Hallein

FREEDOM GAINED

Marie-Christine Hopf and Anneliese Ebner first turned a mono into a duo - and now it’s a multi. But let’s start at the beginning. In 2005, the mother-daughter duo plunged into self-employment with a Jones franchise store, which was supplemented by a multi-label store named Conceptblue in 2015. They took the final step towards freedom late last year: “Jones remains part of our product range, but it’s important to us to present a variety of 30 brands,” Hopf explains. The assortment is complemented by home and lifestyle accessories. “We don’t miss a single trade fair,” Hopf laughs. “Copenhagen tends to be particularly inspiring.” The mother-daughter team loves mixing fashion: Marc Aurel to Yaya, Coster Copenhagen to Ecoalf, or Covari to MbyM. “We strive to create cool outfits for every customer, from schoolgirls to grandmothers.” Hopf thus addresses Conceptblue’s main strength. Be it social media postings or advice in the store, the keyword is outfit competence. “We pre-select during the buying process. We ask ourselves whether trends would appeal to our customers.” This selection process is appreciated: “We have local customers, but also customers willing to drive for two hours to visit us. Naturally, that makes us very happy. We have great customers, really interesting women. It’s always enjoyable to exchange views with them.” This mentality permeates the entire team. Hopf: “We are open to training people. I consider my long-standing employees to be a blessing. We are successful because we enjoy what we do, believe in the products we sell, and always look for new ideas. I am proud that we have managed to distinguish ourselves from the discounters, that we primarily stock brands manufactured in Europe, and that we are capable of communicating the value of fashion to our customers.” She is highly satisfied with Hallein as a business location. “It has developed into a really hip city with really cool stores and an offering that many big cities would be jealous of.” Conceptblue creates its own customer frequency, by the way. It helps that Hopf has a degree in Multimedia Art and once worked as a graphic designer. “Mailings, events, advertising, and social media - we make sure people don’t forget us.”

Mother and daughter eager to dress women of all age groups: Conceptblue’s Marie-Christine Hopf and Anneliese Ebner.

Conceptblue

Ederstrasse 1, Hallein/Austria www.conceptblue.at Owner: Marie-Christine Hopf Opening: 2015, extension in 2018 Sales area: 200 sqm Brands: among others Articles of Society, Coster Copenhagen, Covari, Ecoalf, JC Sophie, Jones, Lofina, Marc Aurel, MbyM, Raffaello Rossi, Twin Set, Womsh, Yaya