Fashion Exchange celebrates its second anniversary, champions local shopping

WEIRTON, WV — The Fashion Exchange is celebrating its second anniversary, highlighting its success and emphasizing the importance of shopping at small businesses.

On July 18, 2022, Kelly Jeffers opened her storefront in Weirton, explaining it was her passion.

“It is incredibly important to support small businesses in our community. Most businesses are owned by a single owner or owned by a family, and people have put their blood, sweat, and tears—everything they have—into their business to deliver to the community,” said the Fashion Exchange’s owner, Kelly Jeffers.

Small business owners and employees often interact directly with customers, which has become a staple at the Fashion Exchange.

“It’s one of those places where you walk in and you feel like you know Kelly—she knows you. So it’s also impactful just knowing who you’re getting your stuff from and you can tell her what you like,” said Kelle Martin. “When you can find really good quality stuff in a cool place where somebody knows you, it just makes everything in the community better, I think.”

Jeffers says that she takes pride in her shop, putting effort into even the smallest of details, from the decor to the products she sells.

“You really get to experience that person’s creativity, that person’s essence, the hard work that they put in. When you’re creating a business, you’re really putting your all into it. It’s your creativity, it’s your ideas that you work, it’s your presentation to your customers,” Jeffers explained.

Because small business owners are often passionate about their work, she says that creativity and innovation help achieve a sustainable business.

“I think small businesses are just something that make the community a better place,” said Martin.

If you are interested in checking the small business out, they are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM until 4 PM, and Sundays 10 AM until 3 PM.