After years of digital marketing experience, Canton Central Catholic and Ohio State graduate Jennifer Geh realized she had another dream for her life. In November 2014, Geh and long-time friend, Marcie Horbus, partnered to open The District Boutique in Green. Though the duo had no experience in the fashion industry, they both had a passion for style and an abundance of determination.
“We recognized there was a need for a store like ours in the area,” says Horbus. “The timing was right to quit our jobs and follow our passion, and we were determined to become successful entrepreneurs.”
After more than five years with a store-front, that determination came in handy. Like many small businesses around the country, the boutique was forced to close its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite closing, and cancelled flights for merchandise-buying trips, they still saw opportunity and did not leave their loyal customers waiting. Instead, they launched an online store, allowing shoppers to purchase denim, dresses, accessories, and other hand-selected items that are signatures of The District. After almost three months of shutdown, the boutique reopened with special hours for immunocompromised customers to shop safely, and established other health-related precautions in store. It even created a new customer loyalty program to ensure their customers knew how much they were appreciated.
But Geh and Horbus already had a habit of showing appreciation to customers. In fact, they include handwritten notes that go out with each online order. It’s one of the boutique’s many efforts to personalize your experience with them.
The personal styling service helps women choose outfits that suit them, much like Geh says she did for friends growing up. Now she has a broad selection of merchandise to choose from, as the partners’ different tastes complement each other to stock the racks.
“Marcie tends to be drawn to denim and more casual styles,” says Geh. “I tend to lean towards feminine dressy styles.”
The boutique staff say their main goal is to create a fun and personalized shopping experience for all of their amazing customers. This tailored experience even extends to private shopping parties that have become quite popular for a girls’ night out group, a bachelorette party, corporate events, and more.
“Private shopping party attendees enjoy one-on-one attention from Marcie and me in a more personal setting,” says Geh.
Inside the store, the owners fused more of their own personal styles to create a rustic and feminine atmosphere complete with wood beams, industrial pipe accents, pink walls, and massive chandeliers.
Geh and Horbus say their store resonates with women 25-60 that are looking for everyday outfits as well as night-out styles that are affordable and stylish. They even receive new arrivals daily, so the racks are constantly changing.
And luckily for this duo, their customer base is not only large – it’s loyal. Customers come from surrounding areas, but many are as far away as California.
As they approach six years at their Massillon Road store-front in Green (Heritage Crossings Plaza next to Pav’s Creamery), the two say they have considered opening a second location. but they haven’t found the right spot yet.
The District’s unique finds and ultra-personal service keep customers coming back. And it seems that Jennifer Geh and Marcie Horbus aren’t planning on slowing down anytime soon.
Shop online at lovethedistrict.com and choose from in-store or curbside pickup, or $5 shipping for orders under $100. Follow The District Boutique on Instagram and Facebook for new arrivals daily.
