National Jean Company to Open in Short North in Dr. Mojo Space

clipped from www.columbusunderground.com It’s official: the space formerly home to Dr. Mojoe has a new retail tenant. National Jean Company is scheduled to open at 761 N. High St. in early April. The store −a partnership between local investors and National Jean Company President and Founder Jimmy Gurrieri− will be the chain’s 12th location and its first in the Midwest. “Columbus, specifically the downtown area, has always been an interest to the company because of the demographic mix, the surrounding towns the area pulls from. It’s a great customer blend,” says Helen Kim, director of operations for National Jean Company. In addition to “a well-edited selection of premium denim” for women, the 2,000-square foot Columbus store will carry tees, tank tops, leggings, dresses, shoes, and accessories, she says.

“We set our stores up to be a well-edited closet of sorts; it’s everything you’ll need for each season, for a night out, comfy clothes to lounge in, something fantastic that you’re dying for when you’re in need of a little retail therapy, plus fun, easy accessories,” she explains. “It’s everything from wardrobe staples to fashion-forward pieces.”

At any given time, the store will carry 10 to 15 denim labels, including J Brand, Joe’s Jeans, AG Jeans, 7 For All Mankind, and Paige Premium Denim.

“Our denim [prices] will range anywhere from $110 to $250 in general. Our basic tees, tanks and leggings, for the most part, are $20 and up. And our clothing components are anywhere from $48 to $250,” Kim says.

Denim sizes will range from 24 to 32; the rest of the store’s clothing will be available in extra small, small, medium, and large sizes. Shoes will be available in sizes five through 10.

What separates National Jean Company from other clothing stores is its business approach, Kim says.

“It’s all the details of how we run our business and everything we’ve learned for the past 18 years,” she adds. “We are careful and smart about the way we buy. We spend a lot of time analyzing our past and current business, and focus a lot on forecasting important upcoming trends.

“Also, just as important as the effort we put into selecting our product is the effort we put into customer service. Shopping should be fun and easy. Our staff is there to build relationships with their customers, to help dress them, fit them.

“The relationship doesn’t stop when the customer leaves the store; the relationship is a continuing process, as any friendship is. It’s about being knowledgeable, nice, welcoming, and having a comfortable atmosphere. We only invite people to join our staff that will genuinely care about our customers and our stores.”

As far as National Jean Company’s neighborhood competitor − Voodoo Denim Lounge, which is expected to open in mid-March at 780 N. High St. − is concerned, Kim had this to say:

“It’s difficult to comment on a business that doesn’t exist yet. People know what we’re about. We’ve been around for 18 years, going on our 19th. We focus on our business and what we can do better. We pay attention to our customers and what we can do to make their shopping experience better. I wish the owner, or owners, of Voodoo Denim Lounge the best of luck. I hope everything works out for them.”

Perhaps more importantly, National Jean Company is excited to be setting up shop in the Short North.

“We really love the vibe of the location and the mix of stores, and I can’t wait to experience my first Gallery Hop!” Kim says.

To shop National Jean Company’s online store, visit NationalJeanCompany.com.

Melanie McIntyre is a featured writer for Columbus Underground. She can be reached at threadstyle.blogspot.com.