Local clothing store brings fashion to Eighth Street
By Anna-Claire Terry
Staff Reporter
Opelika’s Studio 3:19, nestled in a quaint shop on South Eighth Street, has been bringing the latest in chic Southern fashion to the railroad town since September.
The clothing store’s target consumers are college aged men and women. However, owner and founder Molly Anderson said she tries to find things for all ages. She does this by asking herself, “If I were a certain age, would I wear this?”
“I think part of what sets us apart is I try to do my buying as far away as possible just because I want different things,” she said.
Studio 3:19 has developed such an online presence that outfits are frequently being shipped to places like Portugal, the Netherlands and Australia from the small town of Opelika. Anderson recalled one popular dress that prompted 864 orders from across the world.
Originally from Montgomery, Anderson graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Family Business in 2010.
“I wanted to do this since I was seven years old, so it made sense to open a dress shop,” Anderson said.
She opened her first Studio 3:19 in Monroeville, Ala. and began searching for a second location.
“I started hanging out in Opelika, and I discovered places that I didn’t even know about when I was in college,” she said. “It’s such a cool little town, and I had no idea. When I came here, my wheels started turning, and we opened within a month.”
Anderson said she was “blown away” by the hospitality of the community, and that is why she loves owning a business in Downtown Opelika. According to Anderson, Opelikans were dropping in to deliver gift baskets or introduce themselves before the store even opened.
“Everyone has been so welcoming and wanted us to be here. People genuinely want you to do well,” she said. “You just don’t get that sense of community anywhere else.”
The name of the boutique is a Biblical reference. Acts 3:19 was the verse of the day when Anderson and her former business partner signed for the building of their first business. The same numbers also happened to be the street address. Anderson said maintaining a Christian-based business is important to her, and those numbers will always stay with her stores.
Studio 3:19 is looking to the future with plans to expand and move three doors down from its current location at the beginning of August.
Anderson said she would like to focus on expanding the selection of mens clothing in her store and will eventually explore the possibility of starting an Opelika-based clothing line for men.
“My goal is for my customers to get the full shopping experience and for it to be the best from the time they walk in our door to the time they leave,” she said.
To shop online, visit www.studio3-19.com.