Charleston Welcomes Draper James: A Southern Dream Come True!
Charleston is buzzing with excitement as the fashion waves roll in from Nashville! That’s right, Draper James, the charming Southern lifestyle brand founded by none other than Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon, has set its sights on the Holy City for a flagship store. It’s about time, don’t you think?
Just last June, Draper James held a delightful pop-up shop at Sewing Down South, a hip King Street home goods store co-owned by Craig Conover from the hit show Southern Charm. This one-day affair was a smashing success, with items flying off the shelves within hours! Katie Bodenhamer, the brand’s director of retail and customer care, shared how they’ve been eager to plant roots in Charleston since opening their first national store nearly a decade ago. Talk about Southern hospitality!
From Pop-Up to Permanent!
With the pop-up proving to be a hit, it’s no surprise that the brand is now actively scouting for the perfect permanent location in Charleston. “We knew Charleston would be a hit!” Bodenhamer said. The collaboration with Conover’s store not only made sense creatively, but also drew in customers who adore classic, coastal designs. After all, what’s better than combining two beloved Southern brands?
Conover himself is thrilled with the attention Draper James is bringing to the city. He expressed his enthusiasm by saying, “I want to help Charleston shine on a national scale!” It’s clear that he’s passionate about promoting Charleston as a prime destination for glamorous and trendy businesses. And folks, it looks like the world is starting to notice!
Expanding Horizons
The Charleston flagship store is just one of several exciting initiatives on the horizon for Draper James. Recently, the company welcomed Jeannie Yoo as its new CEO. With over two decades of experience at big-name brands like Coach and Michael Kors, Yoo’s goal is to spread the Draper James magic beyond the Southern borders, including plans for international retail expansion in places like Mexico, Australia, and Europe.
Yoo gushed about Draper James’ core values, saying, “It’s all about celebrating authenticity, Southern heritage, and community.” She emphasized the brand’s unique essence that resonates with women everywhere. Who wouldn’t want to be part of this delightful movement?
A Little History Lesson
If you’re wondering about the name, it’s a sweet homage to Reese Witherspoon’s grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon. The brand started in 2015 as a reflection of her Southern roots and has grown to include not just women’s clothing, but also home goods, bedding, and even pet accessories! There’s something for every Southern belle and her furry friends!
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the future is bright for Draper James in Charleston. So grab your sun hats, because with high temperatures reaching around 49°F and clear, sunny skies, it sounds like the perfect day to explore all that the new flagship store will have to offer. After all, who can resist a little shopping in beautiful Charleston, especially when it involves such a warm and welcoming brand?
Stay Tuned!
With everything unfolding at a rapid pace, folks are eager to see what this exciting new flagship store will bring to the vibrant community in Charleston. Big changes are coming, and we can’t wait to see Draper James add to Charleston’s charm! Stay tuned for more updates, and maybe make a little room in your closet for some classic Southern flair!
