GAIL WHITE Boutique ladies and Stein Mart fashion a charitable partnership

Dodie Mahoney and Jody Major of Boardman have always been actively involved in the community, raising money for charity causes and participating in nonprofit events.
That's why in 1997, when Stein Mart opened on Route 224 in Boardman, Dodie and Jody were among the first ladies hired to work in the Stein Mart boutique program. The goal of Stein Mart's boutique program is to provide prompt, friendly service while showcasing high-quality fashions at a discount price. The store's "boutique ladies" also are often involved with community events, volunteer work, active families and sometimes even busy careers, according to Stein Mart.
Advisers to buyers
Stein Mart refers to its boutique ladies as "the eyes and ears in the community." Because of their involvement in social affairs, the ladies advise Stein Mart buyers on appropriate merchandise that is needed for careers and charity events. Their involvement in organizations also enables Stein Mart to keep a pulse on community happenings in which they may be able to participate.
"We have women from all walks of life," says Sue Swick, boutique manager. "Some are involved with the Butler, others the PTA. Some come to us from churches, some are involved with Powers Auditorium or the symphony guild."
"We look for people who are active in the community," Sue says, referring to the most important criterion for hiring boutique ladies.
"And women who enjoy working with clothes," adds Kara Thomas, special events coordinator at Stein Mart.
Their job
The boutique ladies work one day a week, allowing them to continue with their active volunteer responsibilities. The ladies assist patrons of the store, providing advice in clothes selection and suggesting accessories to complete an ensemble.
"We want them to help make the customer look great," Kara explains. "It's like being their personal shopper."
"Service is becoming a lost art," Dodie says sadly. The boutique ladies specialize in service.
"It's fun," Dodie and Jody agree. "It's work, but it's fun."
Involvement with the Youngstown Symphony Guild is how Dodie and Jody became involved with the boutique. Stein Mart approached the members of the guild about participating in its boutique program. Dodie and Jody found the mix between fashion and charity enticing.
"Stein Mart does a great job of marketing for store employees," Dodie shares. "They promise to do things for community groups -- and they live up to their promises."
Membership drive
Last year, Stein Mart held a membership drive for the symphony guild. At one of Stein Mart's evening corporate sales events, the symphony brought a quartet to perform at the store.
"I have never worked for a company that does so much for the community," Kara says with pride.
Locally, Stein Mart has sponsored fashion shows for Easter Seals, pillow drives for Sojourner House, and cookbook sales for the Junior Women's League. The list goes on and on.
National charity
This fall, for the first time, Stein Mart has partnered with a national charity.
Dignity U Wear is an organization that collects and distributes new clothing to families and individuals in need.
All of Stein Mart's more than 250 stores will be collecting money and buying new clothing to give to those who are starting a fresh life. Of course, the boutique ladies will be involved in this drive.
From Oct. 3-12 Stein Mart will hold its Fall Boutique Event, during which the Boardman store will be auctioning a specialty item with proceeds benefiting Dignity U Wear.
Never have fashion and charity worked so well together.
gwhite@vindy.com
XFor questions regarding the fall event or the boutique, call Sue Swick at (330) 758-3559.