Fawnn Finds Occupation That Fits Her Schedule
After Fawnn Sneddon closed the doors of her upscale women’s apparel store in Calabasas, it was only a matter of days before she was back in business. After 14 years in retail, she found she just couldn’t completely let go of her career.
With a toddler and another on the way, however, running a full-time retail operation was impossible. Perhaps a part-time arrangement could work.
So Sneddon moved her merchandise into a family-owned warehouse, sent cards to her customers and began what may be this decade’s new approach to retailing.
I headed over to Fawnn’s Wearhouse in Van Nuys with my daughter and granddaughter. My daughter went through the racks and found a wonderful black corduroy jumper for $50 (retail $90) and I checked out the merchandise.
A small percentage of the inventory is not discounted. Sneddon says she carries the labels because her customers want them--mainly Big Star, Michael Star and some DKNY. Everything else is marked between 10% and 50% off its regular retail price.
Hard Candy nail polish was $6, not $12, and some stunning Lianne Barnes sweaters were tagged at $132, a healthy reduction from $210.
Hue pantyhose (retail $11.50) are $6 and some Converse athletic shoes were marked at cost. And Oh Boy! sweats were 20% to 30% off retail.
Some of the exceptional values I found were: denim jumpers at $50 (regular retail $110); a two-piece black silk that originally was $203 for $166; and a two-piece silk suit by Zelda at $218, a deal considering it sells elsewhere for $418.
The ambience of the warehouse is light, airy and tasteful, as are the furnishings, many of which are for sale, but not at bargain prices. Prices on some pieces are negotiable.
Fawnn’s operation is certainly different. Her hours differ weekly and she leaves the schedule on her answering machine, including the days she is available by appointment only.
The shopping experience offers casual elegance for those bored with run-of-the-mill merchandise and drab surroundings.
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* Fawnn’s Wearhouse, 7116 De Celis Place, Van Nuys. (818) 781-7253. Weekly schedule left on answering machine. Cash and credit cards only (AX, MC, Visa).
Weekend Super Sale: For the ladies dedicated to the simplicity of Talbots women’s apparel, we’re into “final markdowns” (a favorite phrase of bargain hunters) on early fall, transitional, clothes. This means winter colors in lightweight fabrics. Figure around half-price on many items at all locations. Call (800) 992-9010 for the nearest store.
