2 Kute Klothes offers LA fashion in downtown Charles City

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Nearly six months after opening its doors, 2 Kute Klothes has settled in to downtown Charles City and continues to offer a selection of apparel options for local customers.

The store is operated by Erica Chick, who moved to Charles City 14 years ago and says she has always strived to be an active member of the community. Chick became acquainted with Kimary Phillips, who owns the first 2 Kute Klothes location in Waterloo, and pressed her to consider opening a second location in Charles City.

“It just kind of presented itself and the timing was OK,” said Phillips.

From there, Chick spearheaded the operation, doing the footwork to find a location and set up shop in their store front, just across the street from the city park.

“I thought bringing 2 Kute here would be good for this community,” said Chick, who saw the business as a way to contribute to the reinvigoration of downtown Charles City. “That was a really important factor.”

Starting April 2, the store opened just in time to participate in the 14th annual ChickFest shopping day, providing an opportunity to introduce the new business to the community.

“We weren’t even done with the floor and still had people walk through,” she said.

Catering to women of all ages and sizes, the 2 Kute Klothes offers casual and formal attire, along with a selection of accessories such as hats, purses, and jewelry. Customers are welcome to come in to see the selection or browse online through the store’s inventory.

The outfits sold at 2 Kute Kothes are largely purchased in Los Angeles, with Clark and Phillips making semi-regular trips to the west coast to examine the latest fashions and bring new inventory back to the Midwest. Right now, they are working on transitioning out of their spring and summer stock in preparation for the fall and winter season.

“We select everything,” said Clark. “We go and actually look at the items.”

It’s not just Los Angeles fashions that have space on the shelves, though. 2 Kute Klothes also offers space for local products to be sold. Locally made candles, scented balms, and jewelry can be found in the store.

“We are open to creative people to bring us their products to sell to the community,” said Chick.

Beyond just offering clothes, Chick prides herself in helping customers pick out the outfits that will look the best on them, finding clothes that compliment body-types at the individual level.

“I want to be intentional on the person that I am dressing and styling,” said Chick. “I have some skill that can help people with their entire look.”

Chick’s commitment to helping customers find their look doesn’t stop at her store either. If she knows of another venue in town that offers something she doesn’t, she’s happy to guide customers to get whatever it is they need.

“It’s important that businesses downtown support each other,” she said.

The store doesn’t cater exclusively to women, either. While women’s clothing is the primary focus, men can find accessories for themselves, such as sunglasses, while there are a variety of amusements for children to enjoy.

“I want anybody from any walk of life to come into this store and feel comfortable,” said Chick.

With half a year in Charles City under their belt, Clark and Phillips are excited to see what the future holds for the new store.

“It’s kind of building up,” said Phillips. “It’s like the little train that could.”

Submitted Photos

0543, 0546

Erica Chick is happy to help customers find a style that suits them at 2 Kute Klothes in downtown Charles City.