Holiday Shopping In Saline County
[tps_header]Since our first Christmas, Saline County Lifestyles has committed to show you all the ways you can spend your holiday shopping budget right here in our town. This year is no different. We’re proud to have such a variety of locally-owned businesses in the Benton and Bryant area. Whether you’re looking to dress up yourself or your home, you’re sure fill your wishlist with all these businesses have to offer![/tps_header]
Big City Vogue Downtown
Toward expanding Saline County shopper’s options for clothing, gifts and accessories, Sara McClain has combined the flash of new trends with the beloved history of downtown Benton.
Housed in the former Bush Building along Benton’s town square, McClain & Company opened its doors in March of this year to a rousing response.
“What I thought we would do in one month, we did in the first week,” said McClain. “I had budgeted for a certain amount and far exceeded that. I concluded during the week of Spring Break, our first week, that we were going to need a lot more staff and merchandise.”
Dubbed a family boutique, McClain & Company has merchandise for family members of all ages and sizes.
“We have clothes, gifts, shoes & accessories,” McClain said. “We have children’s sizes from newborns and up, tweens and juniors to adults and plus size women’s clothing.”
However, one of the more unique features of McClain & Company comes in its fashion offerings targeting men.
“We carry Southern Marsh,” McClain said. “This line is best known for their T-shirts, but they also offer men’s button-down (shirts), pullovers, shorts, pants and fleece vests. We also carry Nativ, a T-shirt line from right here in Arkansas.”
Walking in the store, you’re welcomed by 20-foot ceilings and chandeliers hanging up top. Sections are partitioned using archways, letting you know exactly where you are inside the store, an indication that McClain’s love of the architecture and design were as meaningful as the clothing filling her shelves.
“I saw this building and immediately fell in love with the idea,” she said. “To me there is a great deal of underdeveloped architecture in downtown Benton. There’s so much opportunity, just by seeing beyond what’s become rundown or outdated.
“There’s just so much history to the building and so many memories for those here in Benton, I believe the community wanted to see something done with the building.”
With help from her parents rehabbing the Bush Building, McClain has been accompanied by several partners with extensive knowledge and experience of clothing and fashion.
“My parents deserve so much credit for helping with the building, as do these women who’ve helped turn my vision into a reality,” McClain said. “We needed this so badly. People tell me the store looks like something out of a big city, that it’s different and long overdue. It’s a new idea for old Benton, which is great.”
With a diverse selection of merchandise and a historic building housing it all, McClain insists her business approach still comes down to one simple concept: Customer service.
“When our customers walk in the door, they are greeted with a smile and immediately asked how we can help them,” McClain said. “If we are meeting them for the first time, we welcome them as friends, ask what they’re looking for, and how they heard about us.
“It’s all about marketing and making sure the customer has the best experience possible. We keep a database of what customers buy, so we know what they like. If an item is on sale or a special is being offered, we call them and let them know that it’s there.”
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