MANAYUNK

Drive, attitude, knowledge and passion for are what it took for Mary Dougherty to start up her Nicole Miller retail store in Manayunk 20 years ago. Her store manager Samantha Sciolla described their unique store as being like, “a family that works together that is all about customer service and making everyone feel beautiful while having the best experience they ever had”.

Manayunk’s Nicole Miller storefront is one of the two Philadelphia store locations, both of which are owned by Mary. This Main Street shop is also only 1 of 7 boutiques of this internationally known brand. Besides being an exclusive location, what makes this Nicole Miller shop unique is Dougherty’s focus on philanthropic activities. She budgets $50,000 a year to be donated to various charities through creative methods. From dress donations, parties or merchandise that are bid on via silent action, to promotions of 10% back to a charity of your choice, Manayunk’s Nicole Miller ceaselessly works towards the benefit of others.

The caring personality that Mary has is effervescent throughout her store. Samantha and her staff focus all of their energies on the consumer and how to make each individual who walks in their store extremely happy. “We’re always on trend and we’re going to make you look amazing. We’re very personal and we want to outfit a customer head to toe exactly the way they want to.” The attitudes of the employees and the vibe of the store’s on-point fashion work perfectly to create an unbeatable shopping experience.

Their dynamic boutique prides itself on providing service to a wide array of demographics. Samantha explains, “We have a really diverse target market, anywhere from 13-90. We try to service everyone we can with our assorted collection of separates to eveningwear, bridal, and full service boutique.” Nicole wants to focus on a younger generation but still keep their existing customers; fun, strong, traveling, working women in their 30’s, 40’s and beyond. “I want everyone to be able to wear Nicole Miller; it’s a lifetime brand!” says  Samantha. They’ve experienced a lot of changes in the last two decades but with Nicole’s pieces, Mary’s vision, Samantha’s eye for fashion and the effort of an entire team behind them, Nicole Miller Manayunk has been successful in having something for everyone!

 

The store features 90% Nicole Miller brand paired with accessories carefully selected by Mary and Samantha that compliment the designer’s pieces. Other assets to the store that are hand-picked by Mary and Samantha are the interns and staff. Samantha, a Philadelphia University alumnus and once a Nicole Miller intern herself, says that she “fully believes that this younger generation is completely prepared to enter the fashion industry with their creative ideas and energy”. The shop enjoys offering internship opportunities to local university students which have the potential to turn into careers. “I can offer them the best experience in customer service 101, branding tactics, how to work with an internationally known brand, how to plan an event and merchandising techniques,” says Samantha explaining the beneficial career stepping stones of the boutique.

One of Nicole Miller’s most famous product lines is her bridal gowns and Manayunk’s storefront boasts of the gorgeous dresses. Samantha, working towards bridal specialist, says, “Because we have a brand and consistency in our product, it’s easy for brides because we’re quality based; if you like Nicole Miller than you’ll love any of the dresses in the store”. In addition to the quality, many of the benefits of Nicole Miller gowns include affordable price points, minimal alterations necessary and an employee who knows just what you need. Samantha says,  “As a fit specialist and professional stylist, it is my job to understand what a bride is interested in based off of what she is wearing, read her body language, her figure, and encompass her venue to create a look for them that makes them the happiest bride on their wedding day.” They host events for brides-to-be at their bridal salon section of the boutique as well as trunk bridal trunk shows.

Nicole Miller Manayunk loves being part of such a neighborly and thriving community by sharing their customers with other storefronts on Main Street. For Samantha and Nicole Miller it’s, “caring about the customer and maintaining that passion for your business to the passion you have for your location and your neighbors.” When hosting events for potential brides, Nicole Miller features some sparkling pieces by Gary Mann Jewelers and a stunning display cake by Sweet Elizabeth’s. They encourage brides to check out some of the best Philadelphia restaurants located in right Manayunk for their engagement parties, rehearsal dinners and even their receptions! “We all co-brand together and that’s what drives Manayunk’s success as a community!”