(Editor's Note: The models in this month's Trend Setter column are wearing ensembles from The Clothing Bar.)
When Amanda Clark opened The Clothing Bar in the fall of 2016, she did so with a specific vision in mind. She wanted to create the perfect shopping experience for busy moms who want to look trendy, without breaking the bank.
“This was my third retail store to open, so I was fortunate to be able to have previous experience opening and running a store,” Amanda explains. “This helped me design a store that was easy to shop and enticing to our customers.”
Nearly four years later, Amanda thinks she and her staff have been able to capture their target audience of busy mothers, as well as extend their reach to serve a wide range of customers.
“I love that retail continues to challenge me,” she reflects. “I have had to be willing to evolve and change with trends, not only in fashion, but also the changing landscape of retail. I strive to continue to provide my customers with a one-of-a-kind in-store shopping experience.”
Amanda opened her first retail store in 2007, and has relished building her businesses in Cleveland County.
“I love that Norman is a community that supports women business owners, and I hope I set a good example for that,” she adds. “I want to show my daughters that they can run a successful business and be a good mother.”
Amanda has two daughters, Choe, age 11, and Channing, 5, who she says are her top priority.
“If you don’t see me at the store, I am likely with my girls,” she says. “I love that most days I can pick them up from school and be the one to take them to dance.”
The Clarks also visit their family ranch near Duncan, and are all competitive barrel racers. This past fall, Amanda won the American Quarter Horse Association Amateur Barrel Racing World Championship.
“I consider myself very fortunate to still be able to make the time to be able to ride horses and to compete. My family helps me to be able to do this, so I am extremely grateful,” Amanda explains. “I have always been competitive, so I know I carry that side of myself over to my business.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic has definitely created some challenges for businesses owners, Amanda is working to take it all in stride.
“Right now, I'm trying to take everything day-by-day,” she says. “If this pandemic has taught me anything, it's to not take things for granted. At times, I dream of having more, opening more stores, and having more sales. But for now, I just want to continue to be able to have a successful business that takes care of my family.”
Moving into fall, Amanda continues to focus on her primary goal of bringing the latest fashion to her store and making it affordable for her customers.
“I'm OK with sales not beating that of years past,” she concludes. “I just want to be able to continue to offer my customers cute, trendy styles at affordable prices. And if that can support my family with the necessities, then that is enough for me.”
The Clothing Bar, located 2001 W. Main St.,Ste. 103, in Norman’s Carriage Plaza Shopping Center, is open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Follow The Clothing Bar on Instagram (@shop.theclothingbar) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/shop.theclothingbar) to see new arrivals, gift ideas and more.