"Change is the essence of life" said Anatole France. Whether we embrace change or not, it truly is an inevitable part of life. We can certainly see change in the world of commerce, of shopping, in retail sales.
At FL Crooks & Co, we have going what can be referred to as a 'brick & click' establishment, the 'brick' referring to the actual physical presence of the building and the 'click' being our online presence - www.flcrooks.com.
Taking a look back, FL Crooks, our founder, started working as a boy for Arnold Brothers in the building at the intersection across from the Clarion County courthouse. He was industrious, well-liked and affable, and saved enough to start a pants store across the street when he was in his early 20's.
JM, his younger brother, sold goods to many general stores in the area with a horse and buggy in the early part of the 1900's, becoming FL's partner in the 1920's. JM then bought the store from FL in 1929. JM's sons, Paul and Donald, were involved with businesses in the Clarion area, while JM's son, Richard, operated a clothing store in Brookville. Donald's wife, Bernadette, added women's clothing and accessories to the Clarion clothing store in 1969. Donald and Bernadette's son, James, became an integral part of the retail establishment following his graduation from Clarion University.
A lovely new addition greatly expanded the space of the Clarion store in 1991.
Then, along came the internet technology to buy clothing with the 'click' of a finger. James' son, Nathan, developed a website for the store when in high school, and www.flcrooks.com became a viable force, enabling the store to have a national and world-wide presence, to complement our local sales.
Earlier this week, I received a call from a farmer in Dodge, Nebraska, who wanted to buy a few pairs of ALBERTO pants. "I thought that I would buy from you", he said, "because you have a 5-star rating and your business started in 1905. I thought that was a good combination and a place where I would enjoy doing business." He realized what a rarity a third generation family business is in this era.
Shipping for the internet department is handled through the US Post Office, as well as UPS and Fed Ex. Orders over $100 receive free shipping. Orders under $100 are $4.99. UPS Ground shipping will reach most of the areas in the eastern half of the US in only 1 or 2 days.
Embracing technology, embracing change - FL Crooks & Co - "Where You Have Never Looked So Good!"--
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Forever in Blue Jeans - May 2011
A few years ago, there was a wonderful story on the morning news program Good Morning America. Diane Sawyer traveled the world over and talked with 13-year old girls in many different countries. Naturally, there were many cultural differences between these young women. But one definitive common denominator among the girls was how fond they were of their jeans. Blue jeans, it would appear, truly do make a definitive statement about the person wearing them!
FL Crooks & Co is denim-friendly and denim-strong and ready to meet your denim needs to help you make your own personal fashion statements! On the women's side of the store, our favorites include the following companies: Miss Me, Mavi, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, and Joe's Jeans. Miss Me is all about embellishment; it's full of novelty and fun. Mavi jeans feature clean, straight lines and feature incredibly good fits. They are known for a terrific variety of different washes. Not Your Daughter's Jeans also has many different washes and come in Petite sizes as well. NYDJ's claim to fame is that while wearing these jeans, one looks to be a size smaller! The sizes range from 0 - 18. Joe's Jeans come in Petite sizes as well. They are ultra-contemporary and a high fashion fit. Commenting on whether to wear straight or flair jeans, Darla from the Women's Division of FL Crooks & Co states, "Basically anything goes, but the fashion forecast is leaning toward a strong showing of the flare leg. It's making a strong come-back!. But women are wearing what looks the best on them."
As far as the men's fashion world is concerned, Silver is a contemporary line of jeans with a very up-dated look. Mavi features a fit for every size and has great washes. Heritage 34 is a man's fit and features stretch in the fabric.
How does one care for those cherished jeans in one's wardrobe. According to Carl Chiara, director of brand concepts and special projects for Levi Strauss & Co., the secret is this - rarely wash them! Mr. Chiara, who says he wears jeans every day for both work and play states that "the less people wash their jeans, the better their jeans become. Denim really does shape to people's bodies, and when you wash a jean you lose some of that shape."
To wash jeans Darla recommends turning the jeans inside out and washing them in cold water. She then places the jeans in the dryer for 10 minutes to loosen and get out any wrinkles, and then hang dryes them.
If it's sunny out, Mr. Chiara sometimes likes to wear the jeans when they're "almost completely dry" and sit in the sun. "This final phase of drying them out on my body helps the jeans take on my shape," he says.
Do come in and check out the awesome denim selection at FL Crooks & Co. Whatever age you may be, denim is here to stay!
FL Crooks & Co is denim-friendly and denim-strong and ready to meet your denim needs to help you make your own personal fashion statements! On the women's side of the store, our favorites include the following companies: Miss Me, Mavi, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, and Joe's Jeans. Miss Me is all about embellishment; it's full of novelty and fun. Mavi jeans feature clean, straight lines and feature incredibly good fits. They are known for a terrific variety of different washes. Not Your Daughter's Jeans also has many different washes and come in Petite sizes as well. NYDJ's claim to fame is that while wearing these jeans, one looks to be a size smaller! The sizes range from 0 - 18. Joe's Jeans come in Petite sizes as well. They are ultra-contemporary and a high fashion fit. Commenting on whether to wear straight or flair jeans, Darla from the Women's Division of FL Crooks & Co states, "Basically anything goes, but the fashion forecast is leaning toward a strong showing of the flare leg. It's making a strong come-back!. But women are wearing what looks the best on them."
As far as the men's fashion world is concerned, Silver is a contemporary line of jeans with a very up-dated look. Mavi features a fit for every size and has great washes. Heritage 34 is a man's fit and features stretch in the fabric.
How does one care for those cherished jeans in one's wardrobe. According to Carl Chiara, director of brand concepts and special projects for Levi Strauss & Co., the secret is this - rarely wash them! Mr. Chiara, who says he wears jeans every day for both work and play states that "the less people wash their jeans, the better their jeans become. Denim really does shape to people's bodies, and when you wash a jean you lose some of that shape."
To wash jeans Darla recommends turning the jeans inside out and washing them in cold water. She then places the jeans in the dryer for 10 minutes to loosen and get out any wrinkles, and then hang dryes them.
If it's sunny out, Mr. Chiara sometimes likes to wear the jeans when they're "almost completely dry" and sit in the sun. "This final phase of drying them out on my body helps the jeans take on my shape," he says.
Do come in and check out the awesome denim selection at FL Crooks & Co. Whatever age you may be, denim is here to stay!
Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes - April 2011
Name 3 good places to put your hard-earned money. Because you spend so much time there, how about the tires on your car, the mattress on your bed, and the SHOES on your feet! Yes, the shoes on your feet are an excellent investment in you and a great place to put your money.
Now that spring has arrived, stop in to FL Crooks & Co in downtown Clarion for a tune-up of your shoes. There's no better time.
According to Jim from the Men's Division of FL Crooks & Co, "We just have the best line-up of shoes ever!"
For men, the newest line, Olukai from Hawaii, features three styles with a heel cup that folds down so that your foot can slip right into it. This line is casual and incredibly comfortable!
In fact, comfort is what it's all about for Spring 2011. According to Crooks, 'If you put on a Johnston & Murphy dress shoe, it feels like an athletic shoe that you could go jogging in!" Check out the line Auri which FL Crooks & Co is carrying for the second season. This line personifies where comfort truly meets fashion. Their boots are becoming ultra-popular too.
Merrell continues to be a big one, really key in the market, and a stong-seller. Timberland in another favorite - quality craftmanship and great value. Fratelli, an Italian line, new for Spring 2011, features an all-leather handmade moccasin.
On the women's side, for the active girl, Jambu cannot be beaten for its comfort and durability. This shoe is fabulous if you do a lot of walking. The active lifestyle is also conducive to Merrell, Keen, and Teva. NAOT and DANSKO continue to be strong sellers. For the "artsy" woman, the folk-art lover, FL Crooks & Co carries a nice selection of Birkenstock's and Birki's. Kenneth Cole shoes are wonderful dress shoes - substance and style. UGG sandals range in price from $30 to $90. With clogs and the 70's look gaining in popularity, the Timberland line of shoes is shining brightly for women, a wonderful addition to FL Crooks & Co outstanding collection of footwear.
Perhaps, the brightest star is the Olukai line of sandals from Hawaii, premium footwear with modern designs, technical shapes, and rich materials. The foot bed shapes feature anatomically engineered designs.
Crooks invites you to come to FL Crooks & Co to have your foot measured to be fitted properly. He states, "70% of the people I see are wearing their shoes too short." He points out that the foot expands length wise as you walk, even up to a half of an inch, and you must have adequate length.
Moreover, we may have a tentency to hang on to our shoe for too long. We hang onto our favorites past their prime at our peril. "The shoe wears out in the area where we overload it, so the part where you need the most support isn't there," said Minneapolis podiatrist Paul Langer, clinical professor at the University of Minnesota. "A worn shoe can exaggerate the biomechanical faults you already have," Langer siad. A loss of support and cushioning can cause shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, knee pain and plantar fasciitis, a common form of heel pain. As a shoe's sole and heel wear down unevenly, the likelihood of twisting an ankle increases. In severe cases, old shoes can cause stress fractures, Langer said.
Stop in to FL Crooks & Co, or visit us on-line: you will have over 2,500 pair of shoes from which to choose. Spring has arrived, and it's a wonderful time to invest in a new pair or two of shoes for you. FL Crooks & Co of Clarion will look forward to seeing you!
Now that spring has arrived, stop in to FL Crooks & Co in downtown Clarion for a tune-up of your shoes. There's no better time.
According to Jim from the Men's Division of FL Crooks & Co, "We just have the best line-up of shoes ever!"
For men, the newest line, Olukai from Hawaii, features three styles with a heel cup that folds down so that your foot can slip right into it. This line is casual and incredibly comfortable!
In fact, comfort is what it's all about for Spring 2011. According to Crooks, 'If you put on a Johnston & Murphy dress shoe, it feels like an athletic shoe that you could go jogging in!" Check out the line Auri which FL Crooks & Co is carrying for the second season. This line personifies where comfort truly meets fashion. Their boots are becoming ultra-popular too.
Merrell continues to be a big one, really key in the market, and a stong-seller. Timberland in another favorite - quality craftmanship and great value. Fratelli, an Italian line, new for Spring 2011, features an all-leather handmade moccasin.
On the women's side, for the active girl, Jambu cannot be beaten for its comfort and durability. This shoe is fabulous if you do a lot of walking. The active lifestyle is also conducive to Merrell, Keen, and Teva. NAOT and DANSKO continue to be strong sellers. For the "artsy" woman, the folk-art lover, FL Crooks & Co carries a nice selection of Birkenstock's and Birki's. Kenneth Cole shoes are wonderful dress shoes - substance and style. UGG sandals range in price from $30 to $90. With clogs and the 70's look gaining in popularity, the Timberland line of shoes is shining brightly for women, a wonderful addition to FL Crooks & Co outstanding collection of footwear.
Perhaps, the brightest star is the Olukai line of sandals from Hawaii, premium footwear with modern designs, technical shapes, and rich materials. The foot bed shapes feature anatomically engineered designs.
Crooks invites you to come to FL Crooks & Co to have your foot measured to be fitted properly. He states, "70% of the people I see are wearing their shoes too short." He points out that the foot expands length wise as you walk, even up to a half of an inch, and you must have adequate length.
Moreover, we may have a tentency to hang on to our shoe for too long. We hang onto our favorites past their prime at our peril. "The shoe wears out in the area where we overload it, so the part where you need the most support isn't there," said Minneapolis podiatrist Paul Langer, clinical professor at the University of Minnesota. "A worn shoe can exaggerate the biomechanical faults you already have," Langer siad. A loss of support and cushioning can cause shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, knee pain and plantar fasciitis, a common form of heel pain. As a shoe's sole and heel wear down unevenly, the likelihood of twisting an ankle increases. In severe cases, old shoes can cause stress fractures, Langer said.
Stop in to FL Crooks & Co, or visit us on-line: you will have over 2,500 pair of shoes from which to choose. Spring has arrived, and it's a wonderful time to invest in a new pair or two of shoes for you. FL Crooks & Co of Clarion will look forward to seeing you!
The First Sign of Spring - March 2011
What is the first sign of spring for you? Is it when you see the red, red robin come bob-bob-bobbin' along? Or could it be hearing the bright chipper sound of the spring peepers?
Or perhaps the luscious colors on display in stores tell you that winter is on the way out and spring is being ushered in - wholeheartedly!
A few years ago, while career exploring my son discovered a website called colorwize.com. After choosing from a series of colored balls, it was determined which careers were right for you. Surprisingly, the results did indeed suit the interests and careers of many who took the 10-minute test. Our color preferences tell much about us.
Colors give us a chance to express our individuality and our creativity. Tangerine pants, mango sweaters, cherry-red suits, a lemon-yellow bag - these vibrant colors pack zest into the long-awaited-for spring.
Try various color combinations for added fun. Did you ever notice how well a magenta jacket pairs with a navy scarf? What about a bright orange top coupled with turquoise accessories? Royal purple and emerald green can go together well. White & Khaki, White & Purple, White & Red - simply sensational!
Stop in to FL Crooks & Co to check out the colors of the season. We have Sugar Lips Tank Tops in over 30 yummy colors. Neon shades and Tie-Dyed tank tops are available too. Moreover, we just received a shipment of gorgeous Kersh sweaters in that sing the song of spring. Tresics tops have become a real favorite or our valued customers. Several new lines, including Renuar, Ya, Alison Sheri, and Jack are selling well.
Darla, from the Women's division of FL Crooks & Co, likes to remind everyone - "Always keep in mind that the best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you!"
A favorite poet of mine, Emily Dickinson, wrote a wonderful poem to celebrate the colors of the season:
A slash of Blue-
A sweep of Gray-
Some scarlet patches on the way,
Compose an Evening Sky-
A little purple - slipped between-
Some Ruby Trousers hurried on-
A Wave of Gold-
A Bank of Day-
This just makes out the Morning Sky.
Concerning color, Adam Glassman, from O, The Oprah Magazine says for Spring 2011, "I'm seeing tons of happy, saturated shades - fuchsia, teal, yellow. You can combine contrasting brights... or wear one color in different hues. Anything coral or orange is especially fresh."
To keep in mind:
- Orange, red, and pink look good on everyone. Fair-skinned women look best in warm, rosy tones. Yellow is tough to wear next to your face unless you have dark skin or hair.
- For day, wake up neutral clothes with a vivid shoe or handbag. After hours, pair colorful clothes with metallic accessories.
- Start by adding one bold thing - put a green belt with denim.
- Grey, khaki, and white especially help unite diverse shades.
- Patterned heels or a matches-nothing handbag give an otherwise simple outfit some great personality!
For the colors of and in your life, check out FL Crooks & Co!
Or perhaps the luscious colors on display in stores tell you that winter is on the way out and spring is being ushered in - wholeheartedly!
A few years ago, while career exploring my son discovered a website called colorwize.com. After choosing from a series of colored balls, it was determined which careers were right for you. Surprisingly, the results did indeed suit the interests and careers of many who took the 10-minute test. Our color preferences tell much about us.
Colors give us a chance to express our individuality and our creativity. Tangerine pants, mango sweaters, cherry-red suits, a lemon-yellow bag - these vibrant colors pack zest into the long-awaited-for spring.
Try various color combinations for added fun. Did you ever notice how well a magenta jacket pairs with a navy scarf? What about a bright orange top coupled with turquoise accessories? Royal purple and emerald green can go together well. White & Khaki, White & Purple, White & Red - simply sensational!
Stop in to FL Crooks & Co to check out the colors of the season. We have Sugar Lips Tank Tops in over 30 yummy colors. Neon shades and Tie-Dyed tank tops are available too. Moreover, we just received a shipment of gorgeous Kersh sweaters in that sing the song of spring. Tresics tops have become a real favorite or our valued customers. Several new lines, including Renuar, Ya, Alison Sheri, and Jack are selling well.
Darla, from the Women's division of FL Crooks & Co, likes to remind everyone - "Always keep in mind that the best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you!"
A favorite poet of mine, Emily Dickinson, wrote a wonderful poem to celebrate the colors of the season:
A slash of Blue-
A sweep of Gray-
Some scarlet patches on the way,
Compose an Evening Sky-
A little purple - slipped between-
Some Ruby Trousers hurried on-
A Wave of Gold-
A Bank of Day-
This just makes out the Morning Sky.
Concerning color, Adam Glassman, from O, The Oprah Magazine says for Spring 2011, "I'm seeing tons of happy, saturated shades - fuchsia, teal, yellow. You can combine contrasting brights... or wear one color in different hues. Anything coral or orange is especially fresh."
To keep in mind:
- Orange, red, and pink look good on everyone. Fair-skinned women look best in warm, rosy tones. Yellow is tough to wear next to your face unless you have dark skin or hair.
- For day, wake up neutral clothes with a vivid shoe or handbag. After hours, pair colorful clothes with metallic accessories.
- Start by adding one bold thing - put a green belt with denim.
- Grey, khaki, and white especially help unite diverse shades.
- Patterned heels or a matches-nothing handbag give an otherwise simple outfit some great personality!
For the colors of and in your life, check out FL Crooks & Co!
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