A new clothing shop in Malverne

Anita Schmelzinger and Amanda Hughes have always wanted to open a clothing shop. Unlike many who have entrepreneurial dreams, however, the duo actually did something about it and held a preview day in their new store, La Benes, at 122 Broadway in Malverne last week.

“We’ve gotten such great response from the community so far,” said Schmelzinger. “We’re really excited about it.”

The store, which features business wear, casual wear and cruise wear, will have its official opening day on Saturday, September 10.

The two ladies, friends for years who raised their children together in Garden City, said they wanted a Malverne-based business because of the neighborhood. “It has a quaint village feel, a sense of community, and we felt safe here, said Hughes, who is originally from Brooklyn. “There was nothing here, so we saw an opportunity to create a great experience selling clothes. “

Hughes claims that Schmelzinger is the store’s fashionista and “can make anybody look good.” “She knows exactly what to wear and what looks good on people,” said Hughes. Schmelzinger is also the store’s official buyer and was raised in North Lynbrook. “I was in the garment center, working in wholesale for a designer for 10 years, and went to F.I.T.,” said Schmelzinger, who added that for decades, she has helped her friends get dressed for wedding and select clothes. “This store is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

La Benes features contemporary women’s clothing and accessories, for all ages, from 12 up to the 80s. “We sold the same top recently to someone in their 20s, someone in their 40s and someone in their 80s,” said Hughes. “That’s the kind of store I wanted.”

The two said they are very conscious of price point, so whatever customers see on the price tag — the tax is already factored in, i.e. what you see is what you pay, which is the way retail is sold throughout Europe. “I think it’s great for people to buy something and know exactly what the price is,” Hughes said. “People seem to be very at ease with giving that amount and that’s it.” Though the bookkeeping is a little more work for the ladies, they said the resulting customer satisfaction is worth it. “I feel it’s another thing that builds honesty,” said Hughes. “ It’s more about the shopping experience for us.

The store has photos of models wearing La Benes clothes on locations throughout Malverne on their website, www.labenes.com. How cool is that?