New Woman's Fashion Store - Loft - Opens in Marion

A national woman's fashion store chain is opening today in Marion.

Loft, which is part of the Ann Inc. family, opens its doors at 10 a.m. The store is located in Collins Road Square, 1470 Twixt Town Road. 

Marion Chamber of Commerce and store leaders are having a ribbon cutting to mark the opening at 4 p.m., today. The public is welcome.

Loft offers a range of woman's fashion for ages 17 and up - a loungy line that is comfortable or can be dressed up, a professional line that's perfect for the workplace, petite sizes, and lots of accessories, such as necklaces, scarves and belts, store manager Taylor Hedrick said.

"The goal is to get everyone into that third piece," Hedrick said.

The staff includes four managers and 12 part-time associates, she said, adding that all associates are trained as "trusted style advisors."  

"I really want them to know it's a fun place to go and take a break from your 9 to 5, everyday life," Hedrick said. "We really want our clients to work with the staff like they are girlfriends."

Joan Ciancaglini, a senior vice president at Loft, said in a statement provided by a spokeswoman that "the new concept store interior will be laid out in style closets making it more welcoming for clients to shop.”

“Every associate is a personal stylist and provides styling services that are free and accessible to all women,” Ciancaglini said in the statement.

Hedrick had been the store manager at the Coral Ridge Mall for three years before getting the opportunity to open the new store. She said using zip codes, Loft leaders knew that many patrons were traveling from the Marion, Cedar Rapids area, which helped inform the decision to open in Marion. 

"We thought this would be a really good opportunity for our clients," Hedrick said.

Store hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

The Gazette reports that Loft opened in 1998 and there are 500 Loft locations around the country.