EDITOR’S NOTE: Hoot Couture is closing their Hoboken Location on February 28, 2024. They currently plan to continue to selling products online. During this closing sale, Hoot Couture is offering 40% – 70% off EVERYTHING in-store. In addition, those who want to support the shop online can receive 40% off their entire purchase by using promo code FRIENDS40 at checkout. Free shipping is also available for online order over $100. (Local delivery is free for Hoboken residents.) Our original story is below.
Mother of two, Nadiya Stapinski, saw the need for a children’s shoe store in Hoboken. So she decided to open one herself. “It’s so much easier to measure the foot, try them on, and buy them; versus the runaround of buying them online and having to return them,” she says. Which is why Hoot Couture offers children’s shoes and clothing.
There’s also a more personal reason behind Nadiya’s shoe research. When her now 6-year-old older daughter was younger, a doctor recommended she wear orthopedic insoles and leather-only shoes; as a means of addressing her in-toeing. “I had a hard time finding any cute options for under $100 in the United States,” says Nadiya. “I had to order shoes from Europe.” Now, she sees children with similar issues throughout the area. “I often see kids at the playgrounds who in-toe, out-toe, or walk on their feet a lot. They would benefit from these shoes.”
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Have a Hoot
The 750-square-foot Hoot Couture is a small business in every way. The store is owned by Nadiya and her mother, Viktoriya. The latter came from Ukraine at the onset of the war with Russia. “Together we saw the need in our local community and decided to cater to it; while also supporting Ukrainian brands in these hard times,” says Nadiya. That’s why they donate a part of the proceeds from sales of Ukrainian brands to the Children of Heroes Foundation. This fund helps children who lost one or both parents during the war.
The store carries mainly European brands that are new to the US. Products are made with quality, breathable materials. Brands include Mayoral (Spain), and several brands from Ukraine offering handmade dresses for special occasions, handmade dolls, and doll clothes. Hoot Couture also carries Jamie Kay (New Zealand), April Cornell (US), and a few brands from Turkey.
Patrons can also find pajamas including BellaBu Bear, the only National Eczema Association certified brand. Theses pajamas are soft and tagless. They also have items from Reima, a fall/winter sustainable brand from Finland. These products include windproof, waterproof, breathable, and sustainable rompers, coats, and pants as well as ski clothing.
“We know that people want clothes that are different, not mass market,” Nadiya says. “So, we only carry a few of each item; to make sure our local kids show their unique personality through special outfits.”
About Hoot Couture
The owners love owls, so the store’s moniker Hoot Couture is fitting. They have a play area in the back for kids to play, color, and read while Moms shop in peace. They also run free creative classes for kids. Future plans include tea for moms, and two talking owls who can read stories to kids.
Visit Hoot Couture at 720 Monroe St, East 508, Fifth floor, in Hoboken. (This location will close on February 28, 2024.) Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © Provided by Hoot Couture
