Fashion is generational for Heidi Skelton. She opened Threads nine years ago on Westwood Avenue in Westwood, in the retail space where her mom’s upscale boutique, “Arts and Ends,” was located for 40 years. “I grew up working in her store since I was 7,” says Heidi. “When I took over and opened my own shop, I wanted to make it hipper and more affordable.
Threads is a nod to Heidi’s own family fashion legacy as well as reflective of her goal to create an inviting retail store that would be relevant and appealing to women of all ages. “I wanted a place for mothers and daughters to go shopping together,” says Heidi. “Yesterday, I had a grandmother, mother, and daughter here!”
Heidi and her team strive to create personal relationships with clients—something that doesn’t happen at the mall. Stylist Barbara Laga notes, “They text and call us for the looks we post on Instagram. We have become friends with our clients and we enjoy their company. We’ve watched our clients grow up through middle school and high school. Then, we help them shop as they head off to college, and dress them in their first-day-at-work outfits!”
The Threads staff wears and models the styles they carry, and they do their own modeling for Instagram posts, sometimes inviting customers to model as well.
The store carries a robust inventory which makes it possible to put together an entire head-to-toe look—including jewelry and shoes. “Some people just walk in and say, ‘put me together!’” says Barbara.
Threads also carries a wide selection of custom college wear—perfect for that fall college send-off or college acceptance celebration.
The store’s success is built upon friendly, hard-working staff who love coordinating looks for their clients. Community is essential to the store's culture. Threads participates in many charitable events throughout the year with special after-hours shopping nights including champagne and discounts for guests and a generous giveback to the sponsoring organization.
“We try hard to accommodate our clients by putting together the looks that they love,” says Heidi. “I love finding the perfect look for people because it makes them happy,” says Barbara. “Nobody leaves empty-handed on my watch!”
---
Fall ’22: Heidi's Picks - Here’s What’s Chic:
· Shades of Caramel: Brighten up fall with shades of beige and caramel.
· Layer the Leather: From jackets to skirts and leggings, faux leather spans the season.
· Big Coats: Grab a go-to coat for warmth in the cooler months.
· Remixed Knitwear: Knits are back and bigger than ever—literally! Look for oversized sweaters, scarves, and cardigans
@threadswestwoodnj