Life has presented London Fox boutique owner and Oakdale native Tammy Golding with somewhat of a full circle moment this holiday season. Late last week, Golding opened her doors and greeted the community from her new location at 116 N. Third Ave., in the heart of downtown Oakdale.
The shop owner is the newest neighbor to community icon and bakery owner Mary Ann Heath of Moss Rose Bakery.
“I worked there when I was in high school,” Golding said. “That was where I worked for my ROP class.
“This building has always been exquisite because of the windows and the location,” she added of the North Third storefront. “I’m beyond excited to be here.”
Golding began her business selling handbags and jewelry from her parents shop at Oakdale Locksmith six years ago. She shared at the time she was also selling fashion pieces to friends from her garage. Recognizing she was onto something, she found a store front and opened London Fox in its former Sierra Avenue location five years ago during Chocolate Festival weekend.
A growing business, coupled with the owner’s desire to offer extended hours for her working customer, she began looking for new retail space over a year ago.
“I loved this building so much I never even stepped foot into the building before I rented it,” she said. “I just knew it was perfect.”
The new location allows the business owner 2400 square feet of additional store space. The previous location offered approximately 1000 square feet of selling space versus the bi-level Third Avenue location with 3400 square feet.
“This was my first move without my parents,” Golding shared, noting the passing of her supportive mother and father, Ron and Linda Blevins who each passed in 2013. “That was tough, but everyone has been so supportive. From my customers to my friends and family… to local businesses. It’s been really sweet.”
Golding has great plans for the additional space. She plans to expand her existing women’s inventory, as well as dabble a bit more in the home décor area. She also intends to offer a small area of men’s clothing for gift ideas, baby items, pre-teen and plus sizes for women.
“We’re also expanding the London Fox logo items,” she said, now offering T-shirts, hoodies and hats. “People always love that.”
It will be the 600 square feet of upstairs space, however, that will truly make this new space a one stop shop for the local gal and her friends. Golding plans to add a salon complete with nails, hair and esthetician services.
“The plan is to have that opened and ready by January,” she said. “I haven’t yet advertised that and I’ve already had girls come in and show interest in renting space. It’s real exciting.”
In the meantime, she plans to cater to her customers every last need this holiday season, be it in the way of the perfect gift or just the right outfit.
From November 1 until New Year’s Eve the shop offers a Buy one - Get one half off promotion on all items in the store. Current store hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday until 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
For the shopper looking to stay local on Black Friday and score the deal of all deals London Fox just may be the place. In addition to the BOGO offer customers receive a $5 gift card for every $40 they spend. This promotion continues through the three day weekend. Store hours are extended Saturday and Sunday by an extra hour.
“I love helping people find a bargain,” Golding said. “I know my inventory and what’s on special. I always look at it as what would I want?”
Photos and additional information on London Fox can also be found by following their Facebook page London Fox Clothing.
