Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicki Hofstetter.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been in the Gift Industry in one form or another for over 30 years. I was working for The New York International Gift Fair, as their Chicago based liaison, Being a francophile, I am a fan of all things Parisian. I was finding great French themed items at the NY Show. I would bring them home for my friends and me. A business associate asked that I do a benefit “trunk show” of these gift items for a Charity she supported. That show led to another and then another. Thus “Oui, Madame!” was born. Before you knew it, I had a thriving “side job” and a traveling boutique with a terrific following. As “Oui, Madame!” grew I incorporated, hired help, and finally acquired a warehouse to store all the inventory. After years of being on the charity Show Circuit, I decided it would be easier to have a bricks and mortar storefront. I had already determined that our largest following was in the Northern Suburbs so when an ideal location became available on Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, I quickly decided to fulfill a childhood dream of opening a Retail Store. As a little girl, I spent many summers in Arkansas at my Grandmothers store, When I wasn’t playing “store” with my cousins, I played with the millinary goods and textiles in her “general store”. To this day, I often wonder what she would think if she could spend her days here in MY store.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The main challenge today is the ever increasing loss of customers to Internet Shopping. This is true of all “independents” today. Fortunately, a great proportion of our merchandise is specialized and most people recognize that. For instance, we carry several jewelry lines that can only be found in Paris. We try to have customized items made that are exclusive only to us. For instance, on one of our stationery lines we choose the custom illustration and have a French quote added as a special enhancement. Another example, I just returned from a buying trip where I found an artist that is going to embroider the Parisian skyline on the edge of a cashmere shawl we are having made. Things like that keep us a step ahead of the Internet but it is very hard to do and expensive as well. However, we feel it is necessary to keep our store unique.
An obstacle that I have had to overcome is a physical challenge. In December of 2012, I had a bad fall which resulted in a permanent spinal cord injury. It happened at the worst possible time for a retailer, the all important crowning glory of the Fourth Quarter, Christmas. I was lucky enough to have a great manager who worked double time to be sure that we had a successful Holiday Season. I also had the great fortune to live in the city that has the best Rehab Institute in the country, what is now known as The Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. There I lived for many weeks, learning how to walk again and use my hands. Having the store to return to was a blessing. Every day, I am grateful to have “Oui, Madame!” as my destination for the day. It keeps me going.
“Oui, Madame!” – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a retail store based in the East Elm area of Winnetka on Lincoln Avenue. Our shop is unique in the fact that a majority of the merchandise is either French, most specifically from Paris or Parisian inspired. Everything from gifts, books, home & fashion accessories, to vintage couture and jewelry, you will find something not only special but inspiring here.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I feel that our success is defined by the cheerful customer service of “Oui, Madame!” All of us who work here greet everyone with a friendly “Bonjour” . We think of our clients as friends. If they aren’t one already, we are hoping they soon will be. We do not expect that everyone who comes in the door is going to buy something. We are happy just to have them “visit. From the time I opened our door, the staff was told that I want “Oui, Madame!” to be a “friendly store”. I want every client to be comfortable here. Personally, I do not like to shop in snooty stores and NEVER want anyone that walks through our door to feel anything but warmth.
Another thing that defines our success is our merchandise mix. We have the most diverse selection of fashion jewelry from prestigious Parisian Designers to affordable Asian trinkets. We cover every range of jewelry from high end luxury lines to bargain finds and keeping all within a look that is “Oui, Madame!” We carry a wide range of gifts which include paper goods, books, personal care items, fashion & home accessories, all with the French Flair! I like to say, “If it has an Eiffel Tower, a Fleur de Lis or the word PARIS on it, we buy it!” As one of our customers remarked, “Why go to Paris when you can go to “Oui, Madame!”? And by the way, NO PASSPORT REQUIRED!
Pricing:
- Jewelry $ 15 to $550
- Furniture $ 85 to $1200
- Gifts $ 5 to $250
Contact Info:
- Address: “Oui, Madame!”
550 Lincoln Avenue
Winnetka, IL 60093 - Website: www.OuiMadame.NET
- Phone: 847-441-0182
- Email: Vicki@OuiMadame.NET
- Instagram: @OuiMadameWinnetka
- Facebook: “Oui, Madame!”
- Twitter: @OuiMadame1
Image Credit:
The Olson Sisters
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
