Long Time Coming–Imelda's Prepares to Launch Online Store

It's hard to say how many calls we've fielded from out of town customers in the past couple of years asking how they can shop with us. There are many people who were loyal visitors in the past and have since moved out that want to continue to browse and buy from afar. To many the obvious solution is to open up an online store, and we're proud to say, after (and a bit before) a lot of deliberate and involved work, we plan to do exactly that. We will be launching our new online store this spring, which will feature a uniquely Imelda's and Louie's vibe, and lots of the shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories that made you love us in the first place.


Want more juicy info? Here's a little fake Q&A, just like those cheesy TV store commercials...
What took you so long? I've been forced to order my shoes from Mega-Huge Corp!
Good question! The actual planning work on this site began over a year ago, and it has been in discussion since well before then. The main reason is that we wanted to get it right. We wanted to make sure that shopping our website felt just like shopping our store, and that we had plenty of time to learn how to buy for, operate, and provide great customer service for our online customers. Jumping into it too soon could have left you feeling that we... well, jumped into it too soon.

What products will you carry on your website?
Tons of stuff. The actual availability of products will always vary, just as it does in the "brick-and-mortar" store. But it's safe to say that you will find the whole range of goodies you love to shop for online. We will do our best to choose the items that we feel will interest you, and of course if you can make it into the store, we would prefer to see you there, the best selection will always be found in our shop.

What will it look like?
It's gonna be pretty. You'll see.

How do I find out when you go live?
Another great question! As is the case with almost everything I&L related, our mailing list subscribers will be the first to know. You can sign up for Email announcements here. We don't bug you too often, and we promise not to share your info with anyone else.

We are excited for this new adventure, we hope to see you all soon!

Tis the Season to shop local?

The first night of Hanukkah is 3 days away, Christmas is 16 days away, and Kwanzaa runs 12/26-1/1....have you started shopping yet?

I have, and as I have done every year, I try to keep my dollars local. I walk up and down Hawthorne Blvd looking for the great selection of gift ideas this neighborhood has to offer. I walk from Kids at Heart and Greg's to Powell's Books, across the street to Peet's coffee, Global Exchange and Jackpot records. I find some of the treasures I know my family and friends desire. I head west and survey the Pearl District and gather a few of the treasures it has to offer(Hannah Anderson and and a gift certificate to Isabel's to name a few)and I am pleased with my efforts.

If you didn't know "for every $100.00 spent in independently owned stores $68.00 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures...."(Visit 350project.net for more details). I typically value the experience in the local shops vs. the big box retailers. More importantly, I know someone down the street, a family at my daughter's school,or the barista at Stumptown lives will be enhanced by my shopping efforts. I hope to avoid sounding preachy but as a local retailer your shopping dollars allow me to provide jobs AND health insurance for 12 employees..not a small feat if I do say so myself.

There were a few items on my daughter's wish list that I couldn't find locally and had to order on the internet...the must have sock monkey hat and a specific peace sign t-shirt. I Googled these items and hoped I could find a good local resource but no luck and since Hanukkah was fast approaching I felt compelled to put aside my local shopping efforts and order online! So is there a contradiction to my prior statements? Yes, but at least I can say I tried my best. It is clear that the internet has provided the world a feeling of local because all that we need is at our fingertips, just not always down the street.

All that being said, Imelda's Shoes and Louie's Shoes for Men will be launching an e commerce site this spring! So for our old customers who have moved away or those working late across town, I have to ask "Is local where you live or a state of mind.......?"