Have Style, Will Travel: Magnolia on Main Trucks into Pittsburgh

Set on six wheels, the fashion and lifestyle boutique will set up in different locations around the city. Plus, learn more about Etsy Manufacturing Day.

The traveling Boutique/ photos courtesy of magnolia on Main
 

A new lifestyle shop on wheels is rolling into a community near you.

Magnolia on Main, a traveling boutique, is set to makes its debut at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 17 the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce in Wexford.

Owned by Bernie Rupcich and Kim DiMarco, Magnolia on Main will carry contemporary fashions, stylish athletic/leisure wear, accessories and home accents, including eco-friendly vegan leathers and up-cycled handbags.

Set on six wheels, the mobile boutique’s calling card will be its convenience — especially for those too busy to head to the mall — plus a focus on customer service.

“Our customers are busy women who want a total lifestyle experience,” Rupcich and DiMarco say in a press release. “Personal service that travels to her neighborhood is key in reaching boutique-style shoppers and busy professional women.”

Rupcich and DiMarco have extensive backgrounds in the fashion buying and merchandising industry. Throughout the years, the duo has worked for Macy’s, Troutman’s, Horne’s and Talbots, and both have a number of buying trips to New York City for the latest fashions under their belts.

As for the name, Magnolia comes from Rupcich’s love for the blossom. Main is Kim’s idea that every neighborhood has a Main Street.
 

The interior of the Magnolia on Main mobile boutique
 

Etsy Makes It Happen

Thanks to a new initiative, Etsy, the online marketplace featuring handmade goods from around the world, is making it easier for local designers to connect with product manufacturers.

Etsy Manufacturing Day will take place Tuesday, March 8 at the Energy Innovation Center in the Hill District. The goal is to help Etsy designers find the right partner to help with production in four initial categories: printing; machining and fabrication; apparel and textile; and metalwork and jewelry.

“We're excited to visit Pittsburgh and connect with manufacturers in the community,” says Emily Smith, senior program manager of Etsy Manufacturing. “With strong universities and an active maker community, the city is a hub for both old and new manufacturers, both of whom we hope to support by providing them with quality leads on Etsy Manufacturing.”

The public event, which is sold out, is targeted to Etsy designers and local manufacturers. There are 6,000 Pittsburgh area companies working in the four designated categories, according to event officials.

Attendees can expect to get expert advice on how to grow their manufacturing business on Etsy, meet and learn from designers and manufacturers who are working together, and network with Pittsburgh Etsy designers and manufacturing communities.