Contributed by: David Lowe
January 24, 2008
Hotels and restaurants reach their highest accolades by earning a five-star rating.
Sadly no such rating exists in the retail field, but if there was one, Gloss would have it.
In The Shops at Briargate on Briargate Boulevard, Gloss is described as "a posh boutique" by owner Lisa Borden, a Monument resident. They basically sell jeans with a few sweaters, tops and T-shirts.
The pants, however, are the focus, with hundreds of pairs of designer jeans featuring the largest selection of premium denim in Colorado.
The most beautiful thing is that it's not a franchise, but it's not a mom and pop operation either. It's Borden's own creation.
There is nothing in Colorado Springs, Denver or Aspen that even comes close to the shopping adventure that awaits you at Gloss. Lisa B., as Borden likes to be called, can easily compare her boutique to shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, Fla., San Francisco or Las Vegas.
There is one thing missing in shopping at Gloss, and that's arrogance. When shoppers enter Gloss, they are immediately greeted by one of the "Gloss Team Members," of which there are 10, and none is on commission.
The interior design of the store radiates a solid feeling of success. Gone are the chrome racks. The centerpiece of the store is a 50-foot wooden bar that offers jeans through a glass front, but it also serves as a divider from the jeans behind the bar.
A team member will use the top of the bar to display the various jean selections.
Gloss reminds one of the quality department stores of an era gone by that offered quality, selection, style and value.
"Comfort" is the byword as customers and members of their party are offered a choice of Gloss water, wine or coffee to add to their shopping experience. There is an upscale seating area for the men or children complete with a flat screen TV.
The interior colors of pink and brown radiate throughout the store, including the six magnificently designed dressing areas. The color combination is extended to their bags of brown with a pink logo and pink tissue paper inside. The large art pieces on the wall are originals by Victoria Fuller, who can be seen on the E! Entertainment Television in "Girls Next Door,"Borden said.
When ready to check out a fit, Gloss provides a stage surrounded by three large mirrors eliminating any guess work as to how you will look.
Jean prices range from $60 to $320 with such brands as True Religion, AG, Grass, Joe's Jeans and James.
Sizes range from 00 to 14 with waist sizes from 23 inches to 34 inches. Petites and tall are offered as well.
What makes Gloss such an interesting boutique is that Borden violates many of the "cardinal rules" of retailing. For one, she buys what she likes for the store, instead of buying what sells with disregard to her preference. Borden defends this by relying on her eye for fashion.
"If I won't wear it, I won't sell it," Borden said.
She has no previous retail experience, however, that leaves her free from being tied to old ways. Borden was a social worker for nine years developing a strong sense of helping people. As a social worker she also developed investigative powers which have come in handy in developing the plans and image for the new store.
She chose the name Gloss because it invigorates.
Even though she opened the store Nov. 17, 2007, she quickly partnered with the El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund by creating the "The new you event," where one donates two new or nearly new, clothing items that will be given to "Dress for success." For this donation, one received a 10 percent discount on purchases from Gloss.
Borden offers a personal shopping service, featuring one-on-one service. She will have the dressing room reserved and libations to make one's shopping experience and adventure.
Borden will introduce her creation of the "Denim Party" this month. It's a private party for 5 to 15 friends to shop while the store is closed. Finger foods will be served.
In addition to the clothes, Gloss offers cosmetic lines featuring The Lip Scrub used by Hollywood stars for exfoliating dead skin, moisturizers, body butter and sugar scrub to name just a few.
"Service is the key word that people will encounter shopping here," Borden said.
Even their sales receipts are printed with "Have a Gloss day." |
