TSO reporter Curt Cawley visits Kerry Kay Coote at her shop, Kerry Kay’s Boutique — of which she is CEO and creative designer — to check on her plans for today, as she and her staff spruce up the shop floor during this calm-before-the-storm-period.

What’s the genesis of your store’s name?

After working in the retail and customer service industries for a number of years, I found I was not impressed with the fashion offerings in the local marketplace. There was a prevailling indifference towards variety, quality and customer service. I then went off and did my homework: researching regions which excelled in the retail industry, and I was so impressed by the exciting styles and colour ways coming out of Brazil. This really inspired me to open my own store that matched my tastes, personality and style. This is how my brand Kerry Kay’s was born.

How long have you been in the retail industry?

Kerry Kay’s first opened in 2001 at the Constant Spring Arcade. The Lane Plaza location of Kerry Kay’s has been in operation now for five- and-a-half years, after moving from 11 South Avenue, and then from its original location in the Constant Spring Arcade before that; and three years ago we opened our Whitter Village location in Ironshore, Montego Bay.

What keeps you interested in the business of fashion?

Being in this retail and fashion business isn’t just about the selling of garments. It’s also about helping people to appreciate their varying body types and to educate these consumers about what suits them best with our style recommendations. Offering that touch to my customers who, by the way, always have an encouraging word, remains important to me; I’m constantly thinking of ways to connect better with them.

How would you describe your personal style?

Simple and classic. I love clean lines!What lines do you carry?

Kerry Kay’s Boutique is a multi-brand boutique which — in addition to carrying high-quality, third-party brands — produces its own house label, Kerry Kay’s. All these labels get a positive response, which we credit to the meticulous care we apply in hand-selecting pieces for the shop, as well as the styles of our own designs.

How would you describe the Kerry Kay’s Boutique customer?

Kerry Kay’s customers are loyal, encouraging and sophisticated.

What can customers expect from Kerry Kay’s Boutique today for the Jamaica Observer Takes Style Out?

Kerry Kay’s will be offering huge sales; the biggest sale to be seen during the entire TSO! Also, shoppers who come into our locations will qualify to receive a loyalty card valued at 10 to 20 per cent off; the discount range will be valid for the next two years to cardholders, on all purchases. We have also partnered with a financial firm to distribute rewards cards to customers who apply. Upon receipt of approval, these shoppers can walk in and buy pieces without any cash needing to change hands.

Share a few retail tips for today.

Although our sale will be available from opening to closing, I’d like to invite customers to come in as early as they can in order to avoid the hustle and bustle of the day. Remember, early birds catch the most worms and in our case, more sizes and styles.