Urban Threadz Achieves 83% Cost Savings with Apptile

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In March 2019, Lori and Bob Sanford transformed a long-held dream into reality with the launch of Urban Threadz Boutique. Fueled by Lori's background as a salon owner and hairstylist, they set out to create an online shopping destination that would deliver the same warmth, personal touch, and confidence-boosting power as a fabulous salon visit.

At the heart of Urban Threadz lies a simple yet powerful mission: to help women look and feel their very best. The boutique offers a curated collection of clothing and accessories in sizes small through curvy, each piece hand-selected to elevate your style, brighten your day, and keep your closet brimming with joy.

We sat down with Lori to learn more about their entrepreneurial journey and how partnering with Apptile has sparked record-breaking sales and cost savings.

Q: What inspired you to take the leap and launch Urban Threadz Boutique?

Lori: As a hairstylist and salon owner, I've always been passionate about helping women feel confident and beautiful. But as I got older, being on my feet all day became harder. I kept thinking about how I could translate that salon experience into a new venture. In October 2018, I started dreaming up the concept of an online boutique. When I saw someone doing a live sale on Facebook, it clicked - I could blend my love for fashion and connection in a whole new way.

Q: How did live selling become a core part of your business model?

Lori: We launched with a popular live selling platform in March 2019, exactly one year before COVID hit. I'd do a sale once a week at the end of my salon shifts, with the goal of transitioning to full-time within five years. Well, the pandemic accelerated that timeline. On March 19, 2020, all the salons in Michigan had to close. Bob and I looked at each other and said, "Here we go, full-time it is!" We started going live five days a week, driving down quiet roads to our salon-turned-boutique while everyone else was stuck at home.

Q: What role has the community played in attracting and retaining customers?

Lori: Community is the heartbeat of Urban Threadz. Our mission isn't just about selling clothes - it's about celebrating the amazing women wearing them. During our live sales, you'll find ladies from California to Maine chatting, laughing, and cheering each other on. They tune in as much for the camaraderie as for the cute tops. That personal connection, that sense of belonging, is what sets us apart. I make a point to remember each customer's name, size, style preferences. They're not just shoppers - they're part of our family.

Q: What challenges prompted you to seek out a new live selling solution?

Lori: Our previous platform had a few dealbreakers. The analytics were often inaccurate, making it tough to track our growth. We had a revolving door of account managers, so we never felt fully supported. But the biggest issue was the steep commission fee - we were paying 3% on every sale, which added up to over $3,000 a month on average. We knew we needed a more reliable, cost-effective solution to scale sustainably.

Q: Why did you ultimately choose to migrate to Apptile?

Lori: Two things stood out about Apptile: their incredible customer service and seamless live selling integration. From our first call with the team, it was clear they genuinely cared about our success. If we ever hit a snag during a live sale, they're just a message away with a quick fix, no matter the time difference. They're constantly iterating to meet the needs of boutiques like ours. And with Apptile's flat monthly fee of $499, we're saving a huge chunk of change.

Q: What impact has switching to Apptile had on Urban Threadz's bottom line?

Lori: Since migrating to Apptile, we've seen promising growth in our key metrics. With Apptile's improved notification system, we're seeing higher attendance and engagement during our live sales. And thanks to the app's user-friendly interface, customers are browsing longer and buying more. Just last week, we had a huge turnout for one of our sales events - proof that our audience is tuning in and loving the new experience. Best of all, we're saving 85% on our monthly app costs compared to our previous platform. Those savings can now be reinvested into growth initiatives and delighting our shoppers.

Q: What Apptile features have made the biggest difference for Urban Threadz?

Lori: The ability to fully customize our app has been a game-changer. We can now infuse every screen with Urban Threadz's unique vibe, from announcing upcoming sales to linking our other businesses. On the live selling side, customers love how they can tap on a featured product to watch the video snippet of me showcasing that item. It's so much more engaging than just static photos. These enhanced features are keeping our audience tuned in and eager to shop.

Q: What advice would you give to fellow boutique owners looking to uplevel their live selling strategy?

Lori: Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all solution. Your brand is unique, and your live selling platform should reflect that. Prioritize partners who offer white-glove support, so you can focus on serving your customers, not troubleshooting tech. And most importantly, lean into what sets your boutique apart. For us, that's our mission to spread joy and cultivate community. When you lead with heart and stay true to your values, your audience will follow you anywhere.

From kitchen table dreams to five-figure live sales, Urban Threadz is proof that betting on yourself and your customers is always a winning strategy. By coupling their community-driven mission with Apptile's best-in-class features, Lori and Bob have transformed their boutique into a virtual hangout spot for women seeking style, warmth, and connection.

Are you ready to turn your live sales into can't-miss events that keep your customers coming back? Let Apptile's customizable apps and concierge support help you create an online experience as lively as your boutique. Stop bleeding money on commissions and start investing in the growth your brand deserves. Your next chapter is just a click away.