Edith Nandzig and Anita Beißel have turned their love for fashion into a successful boutique, enriching Zülpich’s shopping scene with a focus on inclusivity and social events.
Edith Nandzig and Anita Beißel, residents of Zülpich, have transformed their passion for fashion into a thriving business over the past three years with the opening of their boutique, “the dressing fairy,” located on Kölnstraße. Their venture not only marks a personal achievement but also seeks to invigorate a street that has historically been characterized by vacancies rather than bustling commerce. Nandzig shared, “We have never regretted this step,” referring to their decision to establish a store after Nandzig’s extensive career at C&A in Euskirchen and Beißel’s previous experience owning a boutique in Hürth, which she had to close due to the pandemic.
Despite the challenges of a “dead” street, as Nandzig describes it, the dressing fairy has emerged as a focal point for fashion enthusiasts aged 18 to 80. The business serves not only as a place to shop but also as a community hub where social interaction is encouraged. Nandzig commented on the influence of social media, noting that it plays a role in their outreach, stating, “We make sure that our pieces are always available in limited quantities,” a strategy aimed at maintaining uniqueness among their offerings.
Recently, the dressing fairy launched a new initiative: a live shopping event where Nandzig and Beißel showcased a variety of outfits and accessories to an audience that watched from the comfort of their homes. The event mimicked the feel of traditional home shopping shows, allowing viewers to interact and ask questions via comments. “It had a bit of the feel of home shopping shows on television – just on smartphones, just for today’s times,” Nandzig remarked, celebrating the success of the event.
The concept of a fashion party has also found footing within their business model, reminiscent of Tupperware parties, where groups of women can enjoy a private shopping experience. These events include all the elements of a social gathering: music, snacks, and sparkling wine, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests. Nandzig has hosted around 15 such parties, with no charge for attendees.
The store boasts vibrant and eclectic fashion choices, with a significant emphasis on inclusivity, particularly for larger sizes. Nandzig, who prefers larger sizes herself, champions the availability of stylish options for curvier women, questioning, “Why shouldn’t curvy women dress stylishly?” The duo’s collaborative approach sees Beißel representing smaller sizes, allowing them to cater to a diverse range of customers.
Covering approximately 160 square meters, the dressing fairy also includes a nail studio in the back, reflecting Nandzig’s belief that beauty and fashion are interlinked. Despite fulfilling many of her business aspirations, Nandzig harbors a desire to appear on the television show “Shopping Queen,” saying she is eager for an opportunity, especially if the theme is “Dress up for an evening at the Kinat in Zülpich.”
The innovative strategies employed by Nandzig and Beißel at the dressing fairy highlight their commitment to building not just a store, but also a community hub for fashion and social interaction in Zülpich.
Source: Noah Wire Services
