Woah, Charlotte Russe!

I remember going into Charlotte Russe about two years ago, looking around, and not really finding much that interested me. Although the prices are great, it just wasn't my style. It was just too "high heeled and tight shirted" for me. So, imagine my surprise when I go onto their website (out of plain curiosity) to find a totally different look. Hippie beads and boho skirts?! In Charlotte Russe?! Now they're starting to look like their main competitor, Forever 21. Coincidence?

No, not a coincidence. I read an article in WWD yesterday that stated Charlotte Russe has just redone their merchandising for spring to a more "boho" trend. This was meant to increase sales (since not only the economy sucks, but apparently their sales sucked to begin with) and attract a new crowd. Hmm, could that be the crowd from Forever 21?

Looking deeper into the website, I found that not all their merchandise has changed from teenage cocktail dresses to boho just yet. I doubt that everything in their store will make the switch, which is good for keeping the customers they already have. I'll have to keep an eye out to see just how many of these boho items do grace their sales floor. I might even have to make a trip out to the mall!

(Image taken from front page of Charlotte Russe's website.)