When many people walk into Country Cords for the very first time, they are amazed by the vast selection of children’s apparel and accessories available.
In fact, owner Rod Lema is often told how surprised new customers are to find Country Cords is a children’s shop.
‘People see the sign and know we’re here, but they don’t always know what we sell,? said Rod.
Located for the past 20 years on Dixie Highway in Ritter’s Country Square, Country Cords/Clarkston Stride Rite is a Clarkston treasure with an extensive children’s clothing and shoe lines.
Country Cords carries everything from gift items for showers, birthdays, Christening gowns, bonnets and seasonal holiday clothing, not to mention a great selection of toys such as Groovy Girls for the little ladies and model trains, cars or planes for the young gentlemen.
‘We try to carry everything we possibly can here,? said Rod. ‘Our primary focus though is on everyday playwear.?
Moms can find a wide selection of popular and moderately priced clothing lines such as Healthtex, Hartstrings/Kitestrings, b.t. kids, Good Lad and le top. Recently, the business added a few more fashionable lines like Rubbies and Guess Jeans, and hopes to add even more throughout the year.
Customers are sure to find that perfect outfit for any child newborn to around ten years old in sizes preemie to girls 16 or boys 7x.
And what new outfit wouldn’t be complete without a great fitting pair of supportive, quality shoes? Parents and grandparents can walk right into the attached shoe store to browse a large selection of Stride Rite, Skechers and Teva footwear for pre-walkers through size six.
Also, Clarkston Stride Rite recently added a new line of shoes from Stride Rite specially designed for wear and support before a child is actually walking. The new design helps a child through the ‘crawling? and ‘cruising? phases of development thanks to a soft, rounded sole that protects the toes.
Toddler Tech is the next progression of shoes designed for the active two and three-year-olds. They incorporate many important features such as flexible bottoms, impact heel gel packs and reinforced toes. A parent can always be confident that the right pair of shoes is being recommended.
Rod said parents will also be happy to know that just in time for back to school shopping, the store will add a new ‘Born? brand licensed by Stride Rite. The footwear offers the same comfort and quality as the respected adult ‘Born? version.
‘We have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Our sales staff is very experienced in helping customers select the perfect gift or size of clothing,? said Rod. ‘We size and fit shoes to achieve the best fit, support and comfort possible.?
‘I like the stuffed animals,? said five-year-old Cameron Schimp of Whitelake. ‘I like the doggies a lot. Mommy bought me a pretty new pair of boots here.?
‘We come from all over to shop here,? agreed mom Connie. ‘The shops are wonderful. She always smiles and says, ‘We’re going to Rod’s.??
Country Cords and Clarkston Stride Rite bring an extra personal touch to their customer service. The staff pays particular attention to detail ? whether remembering a child’s favorite activity or making sure to notify a customer when a sought after item arrives in the store.
‘My customers are more like friends than customers,? said Rod, ‘because I’ve known so many of them for so long. After 27 years in the business, we are now servicing a second generation of repeat customers who grew up with us.
‘We understand how important a mom’s time is, so we try to make her shopping experience pleasant and quick.?
Country Cords is located at 6678 Dixie Highway. For more information, please call 248-625-1019, and make sure to ask about both stores? frequent buyer programs that reward customers for their generous loyalty and their customer mailing list.