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PrintAllison Thompson, Owner
Allison [by the beach]
316 Manhattan Beach Blvd. in Manhattan Beach 310-379-3686 | allisonbythebeach.com
Allison [by the beach] is a women’s clothing and accessories store that carries everything from everyday tops to dresses for special occasions, including a large selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and beautiful handbags. Owner Allison Thompson always had the goal of opening her own boutique. After completing her degree in economics from Loyola Marymount University, she went to Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising to earn a merchandise marketing degree. She worked in marketing, then managed and was the buyer for a small boutique. In October 2010 she opened Allison [by the beach].
What would you like potential clients to know about you?
“I am always thinking about my specific customers when buying for my store. It’s important to me to be in the store often so I can interact with and learn from my customers. My colleague Katy and I understand all body types, ages and styles and can dress and style anyone.”
Who is your target client?
“We have a wide range of clients, but we often cater to Manhattan Beach’s trendy moms. A lot of our customers come into the store with a preconceived notion that certain clothes aren’t meant for their body type or age, but we style them into age-appropriate clothes and accessories.”
What does the future hold for your company?
“I have future plans to open more Allison stores. My family owns a winery in Napa Valley, and I hope to expand to have an Allison [by the vines] store in the near future! I’m also continuing to expand my online store.”
What is your favorite brand you carry?
“One of my favorite clothing designers we carry is Parker. Their pretty and girly silk tops and dresses can be dressed up or down and always have a great fit! Among my favorite jewelry designers we carry is Edina Kiss. She uses the best stones and creates such unique pieces that you cannot find anywhere else.”
