Sophisticated Rose adds Mariana Jewelry line

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December 7, 2016 - 12:00 AM

Jan Knewtson has had a retail presence on the Iola square since 1986 and for the last 16 with her Sophisticated Rose on the southeast corner of the square at Madison and Jefferson.
Knewston credits her success to a time-worn formula: Carry high-quality, yet affordable, merchandise that makes a woman feel good about herself.
To that end Knewston has added Mariana Jewelry, once stocked by Jerry Whitworth before his retirement earlier this year.
“We’re really excited about this top-notch line,” Knewtson said.
Also a secret to her success is Knewtson’s willingness to embrace change.
If something doesn’t sell, she doesn’t give it a second chance. For example, she’s fazed out Melissa & Doug toys, saying, “they didn’t change. Year after year, the toys were the same.” Also dance and gymnastic wear for young girls is gone. As for that, “every dance studio in the area had separate ideas on what was acceptable,” she said.
Customer demand influences her decisions on what to stock. For instance, next spring she will start carrying petite sizes, and that’s in addition to a second store she owns, Sophisticated Rose Plus, for larger sized women.
Also soon to open down the street is a store she’ll call Tuxedo Junction & Wedded Bliss that caters to formal occasions including formal wear for men and accessories to make every wedding complete including toasting glasses, engagement ring pillows, flower girl baskets  and guest registry books.
As for her signature store, women’s fashion wear is its mainstay.
This year’s best-seller?
“Anything black and white — as every year,” she said. “It always looks sharp and clean. I’m a sucker for it, whether it’s sweaters, jackets or capes.”
Knewtson maintains “bling” is fading, but scarves remain popular and in many cases “replace the need for jewelry, they’re so pretty.”
Leather hand bags are selling well, she said, in addition to her various lines of jewelry.
Knewtson also carries children’s and young girls’ clothing as well as baby items including diaper bags, stuffed toys and baby blankets.
Sophisticated Rose caters to women “45 to 50 and on up,” Knewtson said, noting the loyalty of her customers.
This year business turned around “once the bridge east of Yates Center” was completed, she said. “There’s been a big difference since that opened up.”
Sophisticated Rose is at 19 S. Jefferson

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