INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS FOR ... Shannon Fox of Kiss Me Kate How did you come up with the name for your store and how long have you been in business? I purchased an existing store 15 years ago and kept the original name. It was named after the Broadway Play “Kiss Me Kate” from Taming of the Shrew. It was the second store opened in Camelback Village shopping center almost 40 years ago.
How did you make the transition from Braniff International flight attendant to a hugely successful boutique owner? I am a people lover, from the airlines to sales to fashion. I sold Real Estate after Braniff’s demise, worked for my husband’s health & cosmetics business, and then in his sunglass business. This is so fun!! Who doesn’t love fashion?
What do you consider you best-selling item currently? We are known as “The Jacket Store” as well as having great gift items. We have many talented Artists in Arizona, so I use mostly local jewelry designers and feature many one-of-a-kind items.
Many consider your shopping center at 44th Street and Camelback to be the most affluent shopping demographic in The Valley. How long have you been there and how did you choose this prime location? Kiss Me Kate has been in its current location for almost 40 years. It is a great central location with Arcadia to the South, PV to the North and close to Scottsdale as well as Phoenix. We love it!!
With so many flocking to the internet, how have you kept your store so successful? It is an ongoing challenge. Many of our customers like to feel, touch and see the fabrics and quality of garments before buying. I feel the same, so I don’t shop online. And “Quality and First-Class Service” is our priority.
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What fashion trend or trends do you see that most are not aware of yet? Everything has gotten so casual, so I hope we can get back to beautiful dressing again. It can be beautiful and comfortable and still be on trend.
Do you have a favorite decade for fashion? I loved the 60’s. Travelers would wear hats and gloves, fur stoles, and really dressed up to travel.