Being in the retail business is unique. Few careers require the analytics of managing people, inventory and logistics, while also juggling styles, personal interactions, and salesmanship. Throw in the fact that it is clothing and things get even more complicated. Which brings us to Cathy Crews and her store C-Squared (C2) – a stylish clothing and gift boutique in downtown Oxford that Cathy opened in 2017.
A native of Oxford, Cathy first entered the retail world as a teen, working at Nell’s Flowers and Gifts. "It’s where I learned the "street level" of retail, explains Cathy. "I came to appreciate that retailers are a part of the community, helping families celebrate good times and get through difficult times as well. Your customers quickly become like family and friends.
Cathy complemented this hands on experience with the business side by working at Peeble’s Department Store – part of Stage Stores, Inc. Employed as a buyer, she was taught the "business" of retail. Rising through the ranks, she was transferred to Houston where the portfolio expanded from 300 stores to over 800 stores that she worked with. "My experience with Stage Stores taught me what is not in the books, most importantly that retail is local, styles are local and small towns need to offer unique merchandise," she explains. When an ideal space opened up back in Oxford, she knew what to do.
"Retail is reaching people and connecting." C2 does that through clothing, accessories, jewelry and gifts. "We start to cater to young girls as they start to turn teens, says Cathy. "They often "graduate" from Nan’s next door and naturally come here. But C2 extends well beyond the teen fashion world, the store’s expansive inventory extends well into adult styles and needs. "I work with the customer through many life styles. We get to know them, their styles and their interests," explains Cathy. "I often know the functions they may be buying for (and know if others are looking at the same outfit)."
The need to be able to spot new styles and trends is critical for a clothing store. "If you don’t like to take chances, this is not the business for you," explains Cathy. "You want to get ahead of the next big thing. Fortunately my experience and connections from buying for a large retailer provides C2 an advantage versus others.
With brands such as Kut From The Cloth, Free People, Julie Voss Jewelry and Hobo Handbags, highlighting the displays, there is no question C2 helps set the standard. The merchandise now extends to boys and men’s clothing, as well as some gift ideas.
Cathy also knows that successful retail is a team sport, so she works closely with other merchants in the community. C2 and Nan’s (the children’s store located next door) conduct both virtual and in-person fashion shows together in the community. She also communicates with other downtown shops so they know what each other is carrying. "We don’t necessarily compete with each other. And even if we overlap a small amount, we want each other to be successful so the downtown area continues to grow and flourish."
With the look of an exclusive boutique, but an eye on extending your budget, C2 is a the place fashion conscious consumers turn to in Oxford and the surounding area. For more information visit www.facebook.com/shopcsquared.