Coat Designer Now Selling Directly to Public

Hoboken women can now find designer coats, jackets and accessories for up to 80% off the retail price in stores. The Hoboken Coat Outlet, located on the fourth floor of the Neumann Leather building, opened its doors to the public just before Christmas.

According to lead designer Maria Dionisiou, the company has been selling to retailers for over 40 years through its production facility in Hoboken and an office in New York. While the company will continue that business, Dionisiou said the owners recently decided to begin also selling directly to individual customers.

“We decided to just test it out since we have the facility to do it,” she said.

Dionisiou, who has been designing for the company since 1990, has also designed clothing for collections by Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Isaac Mizrahi, as well as numerous films, television shows, music videos and print publications.

The shop produces coats in many different styles, and specializes in wool and faux fur materials. Dionisiou said she conducts a lengthy process to design coats that match current fashion trends involving fabric, color and cut.

“There's a lot of research involved,” she said. “You have to be creative and know what the public is looking for.”

Dionisiou said that by buying directly from the Hoboken Coat Outlet customers can avoid price increases found in retail stores. Some of the coats for sale are one-of-kind prototypes, while others are reproductions of designs sold in stores.

The Hoboken Coat Outlet, located at 300 Observer Highway, is open seven days a week from 10am-6pm.

Coming soon: a French bakery and a kids gym come closer to opening.

The Business Beat covers businesses opening, closing, renovating, relocating and celebrating anniversaries in the Mile Square. Have a Hoboken related business tip? Send an email to alanskontra@hotmail.com.