Andover has very recently gained a new exclusive denim boutique, a premium retailer known for its private label and custom jeans around New England. This specialty shop, Tobey Grey, founded by Steve Simon and his daughters Stacy and Jill, moved into Main Street in Andover on November 15th, 2014. It is the fourth store of its kind, with others located in Wellesley and Weston, along with the home office in Newton.
Walking into the shop, it’s plain to see how the franchise has become so successful over the past ten years. The store has simple design, an illuminating black and white palette with a fresh and elegant look to it. Festive icicle lights hang from the inviting windows evoking an appealing, timeless sense of glamour and style.
According to store manager Debbie Hirsh, the shop’s unique style and layout reflects the trending, happening models of boutiques in the center of New York City and the fashion forward catwalk of specialty shops on Newbury Street in Boston. “I would say it’s got that minimalist feel, where you come in and have an open mind”, Hirsh muses. “We’re very much with the trend of having that clean, crisp, and minimalistic view, and what people might not realize is that there’s a lot more merchandise in here than they think, because of the organized way it looks.”
As the previous manager of Lyn Evans, the former shop in Andover where Tobey Grey is located now, Hirsh is now the manager of the Andover branch of the denim retailer. Hirsh says of Tobey Grey, “It’s a great name to be here, and I’m so glad to be back.”
As Andover is Hirsh’s hometown, it was interesting to see what a Tobey Grey would look like here in comparison to the other ones around the state. “While this boutique is obviously newer, they all have a same similar feel,” Hirsh says, considering the consistencies in all of the Tobey Grey stores. This contemporary, sharp style is an exclusive to shopping at one of the premium denim boutiques. “And it’s because of that look,” Hirsh added, “that you’ll know when you’re in a Tobey Grey store.”
Tobey Grey has grown into a very up-and-coming fashion stop for women and men alike, when buying denim and other custom attire as well. “It’s ageless” Hirsh expressed. “I’ve seen fourteen-year-olds shopping here, and I’ve had customers in their eighties. We have denim for everyone. All sizes, and all shapes, and they are all on trend.” Come in the door open-minded about fashion, and Tobey Grey will have something for you.
Along with selling many quality brands of jeans including J Brand, DL 1961, AG, Citizens, Frame, and more, Tobey Grey also offers a private label of tops, dresses, and cashmere sweaters, developed by owners Steve Simon and his daughters Stacy Simon Gilman and Jill Simon. Many top selling products of Tobey Grey are not only their classy denim jeans but leather tops and layered, comfortable pieces off their label.
“The great thing about premium denim is that it is all made in the USA.” Hirsh speaks of the manufacturing. “And with the Tobey Grey private label, most of the fabrics and products are made in the USA as well.”
Denim is such a featured and important part of Tobey Grey, because, as Hirsh believes, “Denim’s become such a staple in our everyday lives.” It’s significant in this era because investing in a quality pair of denim jeans has become essential. They can be worn in many different ways, dressed up or down, and now the workplace has even changed, Hirsh states, “Where you can wear denim with a nice pair of shoes, and a blazer to work, men and women both.”
The customer experience at Tobey Grey is another specialty that sets it apart from other retailers. Clients can come in and receive personal help finding denim that’s just right for them. Hirsh is adept and practiced in guiding customers to finding a few great-fitting pairs from the fifty or sixty different styles they have. This makes the shopping experience much less stressful, and employees like Hirsh are glad to help create that experience with such personal customer service.
Steve Simon, founder and CEO of Tobey Grey, has owned the family-run business out of Newton with his daughters Stacy and Jill for ten years. Steve and Stacy, who develop the private label, are currently in New York buying for the spring and summer lines to come out in 2015.
Customers should know that the winter sale is currently happening for the rest of January. In February, the brand new spring merchandise will be released. Hirsh invites customers to join the list of regular clientele who get notified when sales start (typically at the end of the season) and when merchandise they may be interested in arrives. “Newer things do especially sell out quickly,” Hirsh says “so many of our repeat customers get that advantage of just knowing what’s going on.”
Though this location is the newest Tobey Grey in Massachusetts, Andover isn’t the last place this franchise will spread. More stores are soon to come in Lynnfield, MA and in Hingham, MA this spring.
Hirsh is proud to be able to offer all these new trends, and great prices, along with such personal assistance in Tobey Grey’s new home in Andover. “It’s a great experience for the customer,” she says, about being so exclusive to the clientele, “And it’s a great experience for us.” tobeygrey.com