New Mother Fletchers to Offer Better Prices, More Luxurious Experience

Mother Fletchers gave its old clothes and accessories a fresh start Friday afternoon when it opens at its brand new location.

And although the , it is, aesthetically speaking, miles ahead of where it once was.

“We’ve built some better shape and hope to offer a more luxurious shopping experience,” said owner Eric Fletcher.

The rows of tightly crammed racks bursting with clothes that once greeted customers have been replaced by an inviting display that is easier to navigate and move through.

“I’m really excited about the change,” said Fletcher, who opened up shop at the previous, now-shuttered site about 15 years ago. “It doesn’t come easy, but it’s a very good thing.”

Indeed, change has not come easy for the 43-year-old, who began reconstructing what was formerly House of Chants about six months ago. He said the work he's done has left the space unrecognizable.

“We did all the built-ins and just stripped away layers of stuff to reveal more of the original architecture," he said.

Built-ins that include an industrial-looking men’s clothing wall lined with black pipe and a women’s side with built-in wardrobe cabinets.

“It gives it a hip edge,” said Fletcher.

He's also hung about a dozen antique chandeliers to cast a glow over his store.

But the move does more than just serve up eye candy and ease the shopping experience: It's allowed him to lower his overhead cost and give almost every item in the store a new, more modest price tag.

“Vintage is supposed to be fun and affordable,” Fletcher said.

The overhead has been lowered, in part, because the new location, at 1,600 square feet, is slightly smaller than the previous one. But the spacious layout leaves that characteristic almost undistinguishable.

And although the store houses fewer items (it’s worth mentioning that in addition what’s on display there, Fletcher has a 12,000 square foot warehouse filled with vintage garb), he said it’s allowed him to weed out any newer items and stay strictly vintage.

Fletcher added that he is confident the changes will give him a competitive edge in the rapidly growing metro Detroit vintage market.

Mother Fletchers will open at 210 W. Nine Mile at noon on Friday, Sept. 2.