Glens Falls Chronicle Serving the Glens Falls/Lake George region; Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties since 1980
By Kate Austin-Avon, Chronicle Freelance
“You look so cute today! Is that LuLaRoe?”
It’s the standard greeting at daycare drop-off, birthday parties and play groups these days.
LuLaRoe is the latest multi-level-marketing company that’s trending (think Mary Kay, Pampered Chef and Jamberry).
LuLaRoe’s flagship product is “buttery soft” leggings, which, paired with a tunic, are jokingly referred to as a “mom uniform” around the Internet.
“Many women find that the styles make them feel better about their own bodies thanks to forgiving and flattering cuts,” says LuLaRoe consultant and mother of two Jen Denis of Queensbury.
“Each print is produced in runs as limited as 2,500 pieces that are shipping all over the country, which creates high demand for certain prints and styles.”
LuLaRoe leggings ($25), dresses ($45-$65), skirts ($35-$55) and tops ($35-$70) come in sizes from XXS to 3XL as well as children’s sizes.
“Unlike most clothing lines, LuLaRoe pieces can not be tried on or purchased at a department store or through the company directly,” adds Ms. Denis.
“I sell in pop-up boutiques where I bring the shop to you. I set up in your home or location of choice and the hostess invites all her friends over for a private VIP shopping experience.”
Consultant Stella Gangsaa of Queensbury, who has two children, says, “I market LLR through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I go live on Facebook to show and sell my new inventory straight from the box.”
A live sale is like an auction. Shoppers tune in, and comment “SOLD” when they see something they like along with their email address, and they are invoiced via LuLaRoe’s online payment gateway.
Vanessa Volino-Simons, a mother of three in Queensbury, says she has sold more than 7,000 items since signing on with LuLaRoe in February.
“Many moms are finding themselves again after having kids,” says Mrs. Volino-Simons. “I lost my mother a year ago to cancer and there was such a huge void. So I jumped on the LLR bandwagon. It gave me the opportunity to meet new people, build new friendships and get out of the house doing in-home parties. I love having people at my house all the time. I love to talk. My kids love to play with their kids.”
The women said the buy-in is $5,500 to $6,500 and comes with training and hundreds of pieces of clothing to sell at prices set by the company.
The three moms interviewed said they made their money back in a matter of months. They also said LuLaRoe has a buy-back policy for merchandise that doesn’t sell, minus a restocking fee.
“I honestly feel like LuLaRoe is shifting the shopping paradigm,” says Ms. Denis.
“I left a job that I loved as a Graduate Architect and now this is all that I do. It was a scary decision but the best decision I’ve ever made for me and my family. It has allowed me to do something I absolutely love while getting to fulfill my dream to stay home with my children.”
To shop LuLaRoe, find a consultant on Facebook. The ones we interviewed are:
- https://www.facebook.com/LuLaRoeJenDenis/
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoewithVanessaSimons/
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoewithStella/
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